Thailand prays for King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Thousands of locals gathered along the streets and somberly watched the procession.

At the Grand Palace , Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn presided over the bathing of the King’s body and the praying ceremony for the deceased – which will start at 7:00 pm on a daily basis.

Other royal rituals are expected to last for a couple of months.

Earlier, the Thai government declared one-year mourning for the King while locals will stop entertainment activities and festivals in the next 30 days.

King Bhumibol Abdulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, passed away at 3:52 pm on October 13, at the age of 88.

The King officially came to the throne in 1950. He was a symbol of national unity in Thailand and widely revered in the country.

He was one of the most beloved kings of Thailand thanks to over 2,000 development projects, which helped change the lives of millions of poor Thai farmers.

Under his reign, Thailand recorded great achievements across fields, especially in economy, culture, science and technology.