Thailand grieves in elaborate final goodbye to King Bhumibol

BANGKOK -- With solemn faces and outright tears, black-clad Thais said farewell to their king and longtime father figure Thursday on Bangkok's streets and at viewing areas around the nation, capping a year of mourning with funeral ceremonies steeped in centuries of tradition.

Three processions involving the royal family, thousands of troops, a golden palanquin, a gilded chariot and a royal gun carriage transported a ceremonial urn representing King Bhumibol Adulyadej's remains from the Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Hall to a spectacular newly built crematorium.

The urn, placed under a nine-tiered white umbrella and accompanied by a palace official, was then hoisted into the main chamber of the golden-spired crematorium as monks chanted, traditional instruments wailed and artillery fired in the distance. New King Maha Vajiralongkorn then climbed the red-carpeted steps to light candles and incense in honor of his father.

The ceremony was watched in person by tens of thousands of mourners dressed all in black and millions more around the kingdom in broadcasts aired live on most Thai TV stations and shown at designated viewing areas across the country.

The funeral for Bhumibol takes place over five days and began Wednesday with his son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, performing Buddhist merit-making rites before chanting monks and officials in immaculate white uniforms.

Bhumibol's cremation was scheduled for late Thursday evening within the special crematorium built over a year and representing mystical Mount Meru, where Buddhist and Hindu gods are believed to dwell.

Thai media reports and images posted online showed smoke rising from there just before midnight.

The urn was at the center of Thursday's processions, including one led by Vajiralongkorn, Bhumibol's only son, in which the golden container was placed upon the Great Victory Chariot. Built in 1795 and made of gilded and lacquered carved wood, the chariot has been used to carry the urns of royal family members dating to the start of the Chakri dynasty.

Bhumibol's death came at age 88 on Oct. 13, 2016, after a reign of seven decades and sparked a national outpouring of grief.