Lavish funeral held for beloved Thai king

After a year of mourning their king, Thais finally laid him to rest

ByABC News
October 26, 2017, 12:07 PM

— -- Thousands of tearful citizens in Thailand were clad in black as they lined the streets and viewing areas for their king's funeral rituals.

PHOTO: Mourners fill the streets as they wait for the funeral procession of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej to take place in Bangkok, Oct. 26, 2017.
Mourners fill the streets as they wait for the funeral procession of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej to take place in Bangkok, Oct. 26, 2017.

The beloved monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died on Oct. 13, 2016, after ruling the country for seven decades. He was 88.

After a year of mourning, the country held its final tribute in an elaborate five-day cremation ceremony.

PHOTO: A mourner holds an image of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej as she waits for his funeral procession to take place in Bangkok, Oct. 26, 2017.
A mourner holds an image of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej as she waits for his funeral procession to take place in Bangkok, Oct. 26, 2017.

Businesses were closed, and many usually congested streets were empty. TV stations carried the events live, and billboards featured messages honoring him.

Royalty and other dignitaries, including U.S. Defense Secretary Gen. Jim Mattis, arrived from far and wide to attend the ceremonies.

PHOTO: Thai Royal Guards attend the funeral procession for Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej before the Royal Cremation Ceremony in Bangkok, Oct. 26, 2017.
Thai Royal Guards attend the funeral procession for Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej before the Royal Cremation Ceremony in Bangkok, Oct. 26, 2017.

Artillery was fired, flowers were offered, and hundreds of soldiers and Royal Guards marched in full formal attire. The gilded royal chariot carried the king's urn from the Grand Palace to the Royal Crematorium in the heart of Bangkok.

PHOTO: The ceremonial urn of Thailand's late King Bhumibhol Adulyadej is transported during the funeral procession and royal cremation ceremony in Bangkok, Oct. 26, 2017.
The ceremonial urn of Thailand's late King Bhumibhol Adulyadej is transported during the funeral procession and royal cremation ceremony in Bangkok, Oct. 26, 2017.
PHOTO: Thai soldiers in dress uniforms march during the funeral procession of the late Thai king Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok, Oct. 26, 2017.
Thai soldiers in dress uniforms march during the funeral procession of the late Thai king Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok, Oct. 26, 2017.
PHOTO: The royal chariot, lower left, is brought into the cremation grounds near the Grand Palace during the funeral procession for the late royal Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Oct. 26, 2017.
The royal chariot, lower left, is brought into the cremation grounds near the Grand Palace during the funeral procession for the late royal Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Oct. 26, 2017.

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