The Thai king has died after 70 years on the throne - here are the world's longest-ruling monarchs

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Bhumibol Adulyadej Thailand King

REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej waves as he returns to Siriraj Hospital after a ceremony at the Grand Palace in Bangkok on December 5, 2010.

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Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej died on Thursday at age 88, after holding the throne for 70 years.

He became king in 1946 and was honored as a demigod in the Southeast Asian country. However, he withdrew from public life over the last 10 years due to his deteriorating health, living at a Bangkok hospital.

With his death, the title of longest-reigning monarch will pass to Queen Elizabeth II. Below, you can see other rulers who've held their thrones for the longest.