In paying tribute to Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej who died yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the the well-loved monarch had played an important role in Thailand's stability.

He said the continuity of the success of Thailand would depend on the unity of its people.

"I will express condolences directly to the (Thai) government," he told reporters after officiating at Universiti Teknologi Mara's 60th anniversary celebration here today.

Najib said Malaysia would send a high-level representation for the king's funeral.

King Bhumibol, who led Thailand for 70 years after ascending the throne in 1946, died at 3.52pm at the Siriraj Hospital, as announced by the Thai Royal Bureau.

He was 89. -- Bernama