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Friday, 14 October 2016

Thais mourn death of revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej

People pause during the daily playing of the national anthem in the street (14 Oct 2016)
Thais who have know the king as a stable point amid years of upheaval have been left shocked by his death
The people of Thailand are mourning the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, who died on Thursday aged 88.

An emotional crowd held a late-night vigil in Bangkok, and black-clad crowds are now returning to the streets. The king's body will be taken to the city's Emerald Temple later on Friday. The official mourning will last a year.
Thai people along the funeral procession route in Bangkok (14 Oct 2016)
People are already lining the route the coffin will travel along in Bangkok
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is expected be the new monarch, but has asked for a delay in succession.  The cabinet has declared Friday a government holiday, and flags are to fly at half-mast for the next 30 days.
Thai well-wishers mourn for Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej after the announcement of his death at the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, 13 October 2016.
There were scene of intense grief outside the hospital as news broke that he had died
The government has also asked for people to wear black, and avoid "joyful events" during this period.
News websites have turned their pages black and white, while tributes have been paid by leaders around the world.
This file photo taken on 11 May 2009 shows Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn observing the annual ploughing ceremony at Sanam Luang in Bangkok.
Most ordinary Thais know only a few details about Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn

One person in Bangkok told the Associated Press: "There is no word to explain my feeling right now." "I lost one of the most important people in my life. I feel like I haven't done enough for him. I should have done more," said Gaewkarn Fuangtong.

Thousands of mourners are expected to line the streets of Bangkok on Friday afternoon when the king's body is moved from Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace. The Crown Prince will conduct the bathing ceremony of the king's body - a traditional Thai Buddhist funeral rite - on Friday evening, said palace officials.
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