sister of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died early today after battling

abdominal cancer for six months.

Thai government has declared 15 days of national mourning

in the honour the 84-year-old princess.

During the 15-day official mourning period, the Thai national flag

will be flown at half mast in all government offices and schools

across the country. Government officials will wear black badges over

this period.

Thousands of people, many wearing black, were gathering at the

hospital where the Princess died. Thai television channels

interrupted scheduled programmes and were showing footage from the

Princess' life of cultural and charitable work.

Her death has also put on hold the formation of Thailand’s

post-coup government. Political parties indefinitely postponed all

talks on forming a ruling coalition after the fragile outcome of

the December 23, 2007 parliament election.

The funeral would be performed at Bangkok's glittering Grand

Palace.

The London-born princess was diagnosed with cancer in

mid-June and admitted to hospital, but her condition was not

made public until October.