King Bhumibol ‘a Visionary and a Humanitarian’, Secretary-General Says in Tribute to Thailand's Fallen Monarch
Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the General Assembly tribute to the memory of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, in New York today:
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Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the General Assembly tribute to the memory of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, in New York today:

We come together to pay tribute to the life and legacy of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, of Thailand — the world’s longest-reigning monarch.

On behalf of the United Nations, I once again express most profound condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Royal Family, the Government of Thailand and the Thai people.

A visionary and a humanitarian, King Bhumibol was loved and revered by the people of Thailand and respected around the world.

I had the honour of meeting King Bhumibol during a visit to Thailand in 2007 and long admired his dedication to improving his country and the lives of its people, particularly the most vulnerable.

Throughout seven decades, King Bhumibol served as a stabilizing force in Thailand, notably during times of political turmoil and tensions.

The outpouring of grief from the Thai people on his passing is testimony to the King’s tremendous influence across the country and recognition of his life-long work to better the lives of his people.

King Bhumibol’s commitment to sustainable development and national resilience helped move the country through its various development phases and towards becoming a vibrant economy.

In recognition of his work, King Bhumibol was awarded the first United Nations Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.

The United Nations recognizes and pays tribute to the remarkable life that His Majesty King Bhumibol led and joins all those who loved the revered King in offering heart-felt condolences.

In the spirit of the late King, the United Nations looks forward to further strengthening the partnership with the Royal Thai Government and the people of Thailand to advance democracy, development, peace and human rights for all.