Many people who had lined up since dawn to get into the grand palace said they were determined to pay their last respects to King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
“It’s all similar for all Thais, even though we were not close to him but we know that he has dedicated his life for the Thai people,” said 42-year-old Naruemon Pongsa.
The government has declared a year of mourning for the 88-year old king, who was seen as a father figure for generations of people, and, though a constitutional monarch, a calming influence over the country’s often turbulent politics.
Since the king died, people from across Thailand have flocked to the gilded Grand Palace to pay homage to the only king most of them have ever known, who is lying in state there.
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2016