MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday expressed condolences to the people and government of Thailand following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Putin said the king’s reign saw major economic achievements and strengthening of the kingdom’s international positions.

"He won the sincere love of his people and high authority abroad for the decades of his reign. Russia will remember him as a primary supporter of the development of friendship and cooperation between our countries," Putin said in his telegram sent to Queen Sirikit, the king’s wife.

King Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, died in Bangkok’s hospital on Thursday afternoon. He was 88.