Ex-President Aquino visited Thai embassy in Manila on Friday.
Former President Benigno Aquino III visited the Royal Thai Embassy on Friday to pay his respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.
Adulyadej died on October 13 at the age of 88 due to illness after serving at the monarch for 70 years.
Upon arriving at the embassy, Aquino was welcomed by Thailand Ambassador to the Philippines Thanatip Upatising and his wife Monthip, as well as the staff of the embassy.
In visiting the office in Makati City, Aquino also signed the book of condolences for the Thais.
The ex-President who served as the 15th Philippine president praised the king for being “that unifying and stabilizing force” in Thailand.
“Perhaps it is not an exaggeration to say that his presence and his life has enabled the Thai people, despite their own internal conflicts and divisions, to have avoided any serious blood confrontation. A lot of that has to do with how the King was effective in his role as father of the nation,” the former president said in a TV interview.
“I’m sure that with the loss of somebody who has been there for such a long time, there are fears as you move into the transition. But we hope that the memory of the King’s sacrifice for his people will continue to serve as a unifying and stabilizing influence as the Thai people move in this transition period,” he added.
Aside from Aquino, Vice President Leni Robredo also paid her respects to the king on Wednesday.
The second highest official wrote in the book of condolences: “I, along with the Filipino people, offer our heartfelt condolences to Queen Sirikit, the Thai Royal family, and the people of Thailand on the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”