The coffin of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej was placed on the Victory Chariot and paraded through the palace to the crematorium in the presence of 250,000 subjects.
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| The Royal Thai Guard wore black hats and red uniforms during the farewell ceremony for the late king. Photo: Reuters |
The five-day funeral ceremony for King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand began this morning in Bangkok. Thai people, dressed in black, gathered around Sanam Luang square near the Grand Palace, where the Royal Cremation Tower was erected for the ceremony, according to Quartz.
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| The Universal Rebirth Complex comprises nine gilded towers, symbolizing Mount Meru, considered the center of the universe according to Hindu beliefs. Thai people believe that after death, the souls of kings ascend to the sacred Mount Meru. Photo: Kingrama9. |
The cremation pyre is decorated with 600 statues of animals, deities, and creatures from Buddhism and Hinduism. Prominently featured are statues of the late King Bhumibol's pet dogs.
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| Thai officials said around 250,000 people gathered in the square for a chance to see King Bhumibol one last time. Photo: RTE. |
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| The coffin of the late King Bhumibol is placed on the Victory Chariot, moving from the Grand Palace to the crematorium. Photo: Reuters. |
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| King Maha Vajiralongkorn kneels before a portrait of his father during this morning's ceremony. Photo: Kingrama9. |
The new King of Thailand will light the funeral pyre at the crematorium at 10 pm tonight. The ashes of King Bhumibol will be placed in the Dusit Maha Prasat ceremonial hall within the Grand Palace, where members of the royal family pay their respects to the deceased.
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| The Royal Guard stands guard at the crematorium before the ceremony begins. Photo: Reuters. |
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| Thousands of Thai people from across the country have flocked to Bangkok for days to witness the procession of the late king's coffin. Photo: Reuters. |
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| Cannons fire during the funeral of the late king. Photo: Reuters. |
The crematorium near the Grand Palace will be dismantled after the funeral. However, the authorities have built 85 similar crematoriums, including nine in Bangkok, where people can pay their respects to the late king.
The five-day funeral will feature performances such as mask dances and puppet shows based on Hindu epic stories. The Thai authorities also released a 172-page document describing the late king's life and funeral.
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| People sit along the road outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok to await the passing of the king's casket. Photo: AP. |
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| Part of the funeral procession carrying the king's coffin. Photo: AFP. |
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| Thais carry portraits of the late king. Many of them braved the rain all night, sleeping on the sidewalks to be as close to the king's coffin as possible. Photo: EFE. |
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| A Thai woman weeps for the king. King Bhumibol was considered a symbol of national unity in Thailand, helping the country overcome many difficult times of political upheaval. The king was affectionately called "father" by many Thais. Photo: EFE. |
According to VNE
