An endless sea of black-clad mourners filled Bangkok's streets Thursday to say a final goodbye to their beloved monarch. The massive crowds were gathered in the Thai capital to observe the pomp and circumstance on day two of the country's elaborate five-day funeral for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who ruled the country for 70 years. The King's body was transported in a procession from the Grand Palace, where it was lying in state, to Sanam Luang, the site of the Royal Crematorium, which was built for the occasion.
The mourners dressed in dark colors stood in stark contrast to the gold symbolic urn that was being transported alongside soldiers dressed in red and white.
The ceremony for the man who was once the world's longest-reigning monarch began late Wednesday, just over one year since he died at the age of 88 on October 13, 2016.
Also known as Rama IX -- a reference to his lineage stretching from Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty -- the King commanded great love and respect within Thailand.
Ahead of the ceremony, Thais, dressed in black, slept in the streets to reserve the best vantage points for the funeral procession, which will culminate with his cremation at the Royal Crematorium, a three-tier, 50-meter (165-foot) high golden funeral pyre.
Thousands came for just a chance to be close to a man who helped steer the country through coups and chaos. Despite the throngs of people, the crowds appeared to be calm and organized.
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