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Thai procession begins to move King Bhumibol’s body to temple

SINGAPORE — Crowds have begun to gather and line the streets of Bangkok on Friday (Oct 14) to await the procession to move the body of the late king Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Thais sitting by the roadside in Bangkok as they await the funeral procession of King Bhumibol. Photo: Reuters

Thais sitting by the roadside in Bangkok as they await the funeral procession of King Bhumibol. Photo: Reuters

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BANGKOK — Crowds have begun to gather and line the streets of Bangkok on Friday (Oct 14) to await the procession to move the body of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

People began lining the road from Friday morning to pay their respects and view the procession. Na Phra Lan Road, in front of the Grand Palace, has been closed to traffic.

The procession to move King Bhumibhol’s body from Siriraj Hospital will begin Friday at 1pm (2pm Singapore time). The procession will leave from Gate 8 of the hospital, the Bangkok Post reported.

Exiting from the hospital, the procession will make a right turn and cross Arun Amarin Bridge. After that it will cross Phra Pinklao Bridge and move along Ratchadamnoen Road to the Grand Palace, entering by the Thevapirom Gate. 

Earlier on Friday, a large number of people gathered to attend a symbolic royal bathing ceremony of King Bhumibol, which was open to the general public until noon.

On Thursday, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced a one-year mourning period. State flags will be flown at half-mast for 30 days.

Thailand’s Cabinet also declared Oct 14 as a public holiday to mark the king’s passing.

Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore, as well as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Singapore), in Singapore, will open condolence books at for members of public to pen their condolences.

The Thai embassy said that Thais in Singapore can sign the book from 4pm on Friday until 9pm. For Saturday and Sunday, the timings are 10am to 9pm. From Oct 17 to 21, the general public can sign the book from 10am to 4.30pm. 

King Bhumibol was the world’s longest-reigning monarch and ruled for 70 years, before he passed away on Thursday at age 88. WITH AGENCIES

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