PM Modi makes surprise stopover in Thailand to pay homage to late king

En route to Japan for a 3-day visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday made a surprise stopover in the Thai capital to pay his respects to revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died last month after a protracted illness. Prime Minister Modi laid wreath and pay final respects to the late King Bhumibol, whose body is lying in state at the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok. Modi was received at the airport by Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith. Bhumibol, the world's longest ruling monarch, died aged 88 on October 13. He was adored by many of his subjects and seen as an anchor of stability in a kingdom rocked by turbulent politics. A one-year mourning period had been announced in Thailand following the monarch's death.