Duterte pays respects to late Thai King Bhumibol

KUALA LUMPUR – President Duterte condoled with the citizens of Thailand as he personally paid his last respects to their late king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, in Bangkok yesterday afternoon.

The President flew first to Bangkok and stayed for two hours before flying here for a two-day official visit.

“His Majesty, the King, was a true friend of the Philippines, whose state visit in 1963 continues to resonate to this day,” Duterte said in his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.

“He will be remembered for his dedicated efforts to foster goodwill and friendship between our nations and peoples,” Duterte said.

The Thai king died on Oct. 13 following a lingering illness.

“For all he has done to bridge peoples to greater understanding, it truly deserves a special place in history,” Duterte said.

The President expressed hopes for stronger relations between the Philippines and Thailand.

Duterte has yet to go on a visit to Thailand. He had been to Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, China and Japan before coming here.