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Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadj
A people shattered
"This is a man who had earned this nation's respect over 70 years, for being a leader yes, but also for being a leader who had the common touch," CNN Correspondent Will Ripley said outside the Siriraj Hospital, where hundred of Thai had gathered for days, waiting for news of the monarch's health.
A Thai woman cries upon hearing that the nation's monarch had died.
Hundreds of people had for days gathered at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital where the king was being treated, and as the sun began to set, the crowd swelled into the thousands.
They were dressed predominantly in pink -- an auspicious color believed to restore health -- and yellow, which is the color of the King, based on the fact he was born on a Monday.
Some outside the hospital said they didn't know where else to go for comfort, and many said they had hoped he would live to 120.
"I just wanted to be here and pray for my king with others," said May, a 22-year-old university student.
Many in the crowd prayed, sang the royal anthem and repeatedly shouted: "Long live the King."
The announcement, at around 7 p.m., cut through the crowd and gave way to devastated wailing and long embraces. Others stared speechlessly at their phones, sharing messages from friends and family on social media.
Ovartvoraporn Bhakchuda, a Thai woman who spoke to CNN outside the hospital, was unable to hold back her tears, saying that she hoped the news was not true.
"We lost our father today," she said.
While many cried upon hearing of the Thai king's death, others stared silently in shock.
"He is a father ... that wanted to do everything, the best thing, for his kids," she said.
"With all my heart I hope that miracle will happen. I want to believe in miracles...I still believe up until now that this is a lie."
According to the palace statement, all government buildings will fly the Thai flag at half-staff for 30 days starting October 14. And in a sign of how deeply this leader's death will be marked, all civil servants have been ordered to wear black clothing for a year as a sign of mourning, the palace said.
Tributes from around the world
Condolences began pouring in from world leaders. US President Barack Obama said he recalled the king as a man of "grace and warmth," and his "deep affection and compassion for the Thai people," when he visited the monarch in 2012.
"As the revered leader and only monarch that most Thais have ever known, His Majesty was a tireless champion of his country's development and demonstrated unflagging devotion to improving the standard of living of the Thai people," Obama said.
British Prime Minister Theresa May said: "His Majesty guided the Kingdom of Thailand with dignity, dedication and vision throughout his life. He will be greatly missed."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the king as "one of the tallest leaders of our times."
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