Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) A sea of black-clad mourners in Bangkok said a final goodbye to their beloved monarch during a funeral that climaxed with the late king's son and successor lighting a pyre built to resemble the sacred center of the Hindu universe. 
 
 Massive crowds gathered in the Thai capital on Thursday to observe the pomp and circumstance on day two of the country's elaborate five-day funeral for King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who ruled the country for 70 years. 
 
 Smoke rises from the main pavilion of the cremation site where the body of late Thai King Bhumibol Adelyadej was being cremated late on October 26, 2017 in Bangkok. 
 
 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 cremation of the late monarch took place in private with family members attending, according to Lt. Gen. Sansern Kaewkumnerd, a government spokesman. 
 
 Mourners dressed in dark colors stood in stark contrast to the gold symbolic urn that was transported alongside soldiers dressed in red and white. Some stood in long lines to lay ceremonial sandalwood flowers that were later burned in a ceremony at the time of the king's cremation. 
 
 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 age 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 in Thailand. 
 
 A mourner holds a portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej during his funeral procession and royal cremation ceremony in Bangkok. 
 
 "He's the dad," said Thai mourner Saichart Siwannathong, during the ceremony. "The best people and my idol. My hero. My everything." 
 
 Before the ceremony, Thais slept in the streets to reserve the best vantage points for the funeral procession, which culminated 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, people appeared to be calm and organized. 
 
 Mourners attend the funeral procession. 
 
 Jirapa Kaewin traveled to Bangkok with her twin 18-year-old daughters and had been in line since midnight. "At first we thought we might not come because around my home there is an event organized for the King," she said, "but I thought, this is once in a lifetime, so we have to come." 
 
 Kaewin is from the neighboring province of Samut Prakan, where she works at a cosmetics company. 
 
 "I wanted to come earlier but had to work yesterday," she said. "We tried to get as close as possible." 
 
 A woman walks past portraits of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, left, and King Maha Vajiralongkorn, on Thursday in Bangkok. 
 
 Many Thais considered the event too special to miss. 
 
 "I'm here today because it's an important day," Yanisa Sonjai, 24, said during the procession. "We would like to be as close as possible to send him back to the heavens." 
 
 "I believe everyone doesn't want this day, but we have to accept that it's the time that our king has to go back to the heavens. He has dedicated his life to working really hard for us. He's still in our heart." 
 
 The ceremonial urn of Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is transported during the funeral procession and royal cremation ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017. 
 
 Thursday was declared a public holiday to allow Thais the opportunity to pay their final respects during what an official guide said "will be one of the most touching and elaborate cremation ceremonies ever seen in Thailand." 
 
 Three billion Thai baht ($90 million) was budgeted for the funeral, the biggest in living memory. 
 
 Banks and shops closed across the country and the nation's police force -- some 230,000 officers -- were on duty to contain the crowds. 
 
 Mourners react during the funeral. 
 
 Bhumibol's funeral was attended by dignitaries and royal families from 42 countries including US Defense Secretary James Mattis, Britain's Prince Andrew, Japan's Prince Akishino and royalty from Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Sweden. 
 
 A popular King 
 
 The King was immensely popular during his reign. He was seen as a leader who skillfully charted a course that put the monarchy at the center of Thai society, acting as a force for community and tradition even as the country lurched between political crises and more than a dozen military coups, both attempted and successful. 
 
 Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn takes part in the funeral procession. 
 
 Bhumibol reigned over more than 20 prime ministers and many constitutional changes. He also helped the country navigate the disruptive effects of the Vietnam War during the 1960s and '70s. 
 
 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned king on May 5, 1950. News of the 88-year-old's death was announced Thursday, October 13, via a statement from the Royal Palace read on state TV. He was the world's longest-reigning living monarch. Hide Caption 1 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures Bhumibol, left, is pictured in 1935 with his older brother, the former King Ananda Mahidol, in Lausanne, Switzerland, where the boys attended school. King Ananda was 20 when he died of a gunshot wound under mysterious circumstances. His 18-year-old brother, known then as Prince Phumiphon Aduldet, later assumed the throne to become King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Hide Caption 2 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures Bhumibol and his future wife, Princess Sirikit Kityakara, are pictured in Lausanne in 1949. The couple married a year later at Srapathum Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. Hide Caption 3 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures The King and Queen pose with their children, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and Princess Ubol Ratana, on the steps of Bangkok's Chitralada Palace in 1955. Two more daughters, Princesses Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Chulabhorn Walailak, were born in 1955 and 1957. Hide Caption 4 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures The royal couple ride with U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower during a five-day state visit to the United States in 1960. Hide Caption 5 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures The King, far right, plays the saxophone during a 1960 jam session with legendary jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman and his band in New York. Hide Caption 6 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures The King walks with his wife and their 13-year-old son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, during a visit to Britain in 1966. Hide Caption 7 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures The King convenes the first meeting of his country's National Reform Assembly during a ceremony held in Bangkok in 1976. The King put the monarchy at the center of Thai society, acting as a force for community and tradition even as the country flipped between political crises and military coups. Hide Caption 8 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures The King raises a camera to take a photo in 1995. He was given his first camera in 1934, which ignited a lifelong enthusiasm for photography. He has often been seen with a camera around his neck during public appearances. Hide Caption 9 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures The King and Queen survey a rice crop made possible by a Royal Irrigation Project in 1996. The project formed part of the Royal Development Projects, which focused on developing remote rural areas. The King has taken an interest in environmental projects throughout his long reign. Hide Caption 10 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures The King reviews an honor guard with Queen Sirikit and Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn during the annual military parade to celebrate his birthday in 2006. Hide Caption 11 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures The King lights candles at a ceremony to mark Coronation Day in Bangkok in 2007. Hide Caption 12 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures The King is wheeled towards his yacht in 2010, during a rare public appearance to open a new flood gate and two bridges in Bangkok. Hide Caption 13 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures The King is pictured with family members in 2012. He addressed a crowd from a balcony on his 85th birthday. Hide Caption 14 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures The King is seen through a car window as he leaves the Siriraj hospital in Bangkok in 2015. Hide Caption 15 of 16 Photos: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A life in pictures A portrait of the King is held on the eve of his 88th birthday as people gather outside the Siriraj hospital in 2015. The King of Thailand is regarded as a demi-god by many Thais, and his popularity has been viewed as a unifying force during times of political unrest. Hide Caption 16 of 16 
 
 He acceded to the throne in 1946 in the aftermath of Thailand's occupation by Japan during World War II. 
 
 For most Thais, he is the only monarch they have ever known, and before his death, analysts expressed concern that his passing would remove a vital point of unity in an increasingly divided country. 
 
 His portrait is hung adorned with marigolds everywhere from Bangkok office lobbies to the poorest of rural homes. 
 
 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral For the last year, hundreds of artists have been preparing sculptures and artworks for the funeral of Thailand's late king, Bhumibol Adulyadej. Hide Caption 1 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral While Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, many elements of the funeral draw on Hindu traditions. 
 
 Hide Caption 2 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral Depictions of mythical and religious figures make up a large proportion of the sculptures. Hide Caption 3 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral The artworks play an important role of the funeral of King Bhumibol, who possesses god-like status in Thailand. According to religious traditions, the ceremony will see the king complete his journey into the afterlife. Hide Caption 4 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral Coming in at a cost of 3 billion baht (about $90 million) to the Thai government, this royal funeral is set to be the biggest in living memory. Hide Caption 5 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral The art workshops, which are located in and around Bangkok, are operated by the government's Department of Fine Arts. Hide Caption 6 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral The most intricate works have been carried out by professional artists selected by the Thai government officials. Hide Caption 7 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral An image of the king as a young man on display at a government art studio outside Bangkok. "When we are working, we always think of His Majesty," said sculptor Chatmongkol Insawang. Hide Caption 8 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral In addition to sculptures, a variety of ornate paintings and embroideries have also been prepared for the funeral. Hide Caption 9 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral While many of the artworks draw on religious imagery, the king's life and achievements have also served as inspiration. Hide Caption 10 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral Preparing works for the funeral is considered an honor and a career highlight by many of the artists. Hide Caption 11 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral Tasked with crafting more than 500 sculptures for the extravagant five-day ceremony, some of the sculptors have been working daily for almost a year. Hide Caption 12 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral "Each individual artist has his or her own style (but) they must lose their style and stick to the approved sketch," said 56-year-old artist Sanan Rattana. Hide Caption 13 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral Some artists commute up to four hours every day to reach workshops across Bangkok. Hide Caption 14 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral On October 26, King Bhumibol's body will be transported to the crematorium, where many of the artworks are now located. Hide Caption 15 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral The extensive collection of artworks is just one part of a fastidiously organized ceremony expected to bring hundreds of thousands to the streets of the Thai capital this week. Hide Caption 16 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral "The king liked sweet and bright colors, so we decided to use pink, orange and yellow," said painter Kiattisak Suwannaphong. Hide Caption 17 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral The largest and most elaborate sculptures can take up to five months to complete. Hide Caption 18 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral In addition to religious references, the artworks depict a variety of real-life figures and scenes from King Bhumibol's 70-year reign. Hide Caption 19 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral While many of the artists are professionals, some have volunteered their services for free. Those volunteers who are unable to produce art themselves can be found cleaning up paint and assisting with equipment. Hide Caption 20 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral Now complete, all of the artworks will be transported to the royal funeral pyre in central Bangkok, next to the Grand Palace. Hide Caption 21 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral "I feel this is the highest honor in an artisan's life," said sculptor Chatmongkol Insawang. Hide Caption 22 of 23 Photos: Thai artists prepare for King's funeral "We have a chance to serve (the late king)." Hide Caption 23 of 23 
 
 The pyre 
 
 Late Thursday night, Bhumibol's son and successor, King Rama X or King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, capped the year of mourning with the lighting of the pyre, which was built to resemble the sacred center of the Hindu universe, Mount Meru. 
 
 While Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, many elements of the funeral draw on Hindu traditions. 
 
 In addition to religious references, the artworks depict a variety of real-life scenes and figures, such as infrastructure projects built during Bhumibol's reign and his two favorite dogs, Tongdaeng and Jo Cho. 
 
 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king A final farewell: Following a year of mourning since the death of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a Royal Cremation Ceremony for the revered monarch will be held October 25-29 in Bangkok's historic Sanam Luang area. Hide Caption 1 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king 'Father of the nation': The late king, often called the "father of the nation," was beloved and respected among his subjects. Many Thai citizens went to pay respects during a cremation dress rehearsal on October 21. Hide Caption 2 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king World's longest reigning monarch: Passing away at the age of 88, the king reigned over Thailand for seven decades. Hide Caption 3 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king A colorful ceremony: The Royal Cremation Ceremony will be filled with ancient rites, colorful performances and grand street processions. Hide Caption 4 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king Golden crematorium: A large, three-tiered 50-meter-high golden Royal Crematorium featuring the work of dozens of skilled artists has been built. Hide Caption 5 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king Travel guidelines: Most businesses, including museums and restaurants, are expected to close on October 26, when the actual cremation will take place. The day has been declared a public holiday. Hide Caption 6 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king 'Be understanding and patient': Visitors are more than welcome during this historic period, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. "During this time, we ask tourists and visitors for their understanding and patience should they experience any inconveniences," says the organization in a statement. Hide Caption 7 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king What to wear: The majority of Thai people are wearing black clothing this week. Tourists are asked to dress respectfully during this period. Hide Caption 8 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king Dress code: Those wanting to attend the Royal Cremation Ceremony are required to wear all black. Tight clothing and sleeveless shirts are prohibited. Hide Caption 9 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king Five-day ceremony: There will be six royal processions during the five-day ceremony, where attendees will get a glimpse of several royal chariots and palanquins. Hide Caption 10 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king Schedule of events: The actual cremation will take place at 10 p.m. on October 26 and will be followed by merit-making ceremonies from October 27-29. Hide Caption 11 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king Royal chariots and palanquins: This is one of the royal chariots, which will be used during the cremation ceremony. A ceremony was held last month to bless the chariot. Hide Caption 12 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king Royal performances: Royal performances, including Khon masked dances, puppet shows and live music, will start at 6 p.m. on October 26 and continue until 6 a.m. the following day. Hide Caption 13 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king Official mourning period: The Royal Cremation Ceremony will also mark the end of the country's official mourning period. Hide Caption 14 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king Related exhibition: An exhibition will be held at Sanam Luang for 30 days, from November 1-30, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., to showcase the arts of the Royal Crematorium and related structures. Hide Caption 15 of 16 Photos: Bangkok prepares final goodbye for king Behind the ceremony: For those wishing to learn more about the Royal Cremation Ceremony, the government has set up an For those wishing to learn more about the Royal Cremation Ceremony, the government has set up an English language version of its website highlighting all the ceremonies, the meanings behind them and a full schedule of events. Hide Caption 16 of 16 
 
 Those outside the capital will have the opportunity to pay their respects as well. 
 
 As many as 85 replicas of the royal crematorium have been constructed -- one for each of Thailand's 76 provinces and nine for the special administrative region of Bangkok. 
 
 More than 500 statues, on which sculptors have been working daily for almost a year, have been created for ceremonies around the country; some of these statues will adorn the intricate tower. 
 
 In addition, more than 800 sites have been designated across the country where subjects will be able to present flowers carved from sandalwood, a traditional tribute to a deceased monarch. 
 
 CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report referred to Bhumibol's son and successor, King Rama X or King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, as King Rama V. This error has since been corrected. ||||| The royal guards walk during religious rituals to move the ashes of late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, following a royal cremation ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand Friday, Oct. 27, 2017. With solemn faces... (Associated Press) 
 
 The royal guards walk during religious rituals to move the ashes of late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, following a royal cremation ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand Friday, Oct. 27, 2017. With solemn faces and outright tears, Thais said farewell to their king and father figure with elaborate funeral ceremonies... (Associated Press) 
 
 BANGKOK (AP) — With solemn faces and outright tears, Thais said farewell to their king and father figure with elaborate funeral ceremonies that cap a year of mourning and are steeped in centuries of tradition. 
 
 Smoke rose just before midnight Thursday from the spectacularly ornate crematorium built in the year since King Bhumibol Adulyadej died. On Friday morning, his son, current King Maha Vajiralongkorn, participated in a religious ceremony to move his father's ashes to special locations for further Buddhist rites. Thai television broadcast pictures of Vajiralongkorn bathing Bhumibol's relics — charred bones — and placing them in golden reliquary urns. 
 
 The five-day funeral began Wednesday with Vajiralongkorn performing Buddhist merit-making rites. On Thursday, a ceremonial urn representing Bhumibol's remains was transferred from Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Hall to the crematorium in somber processions involving thousands of troops, a golden palanquin, a gilded chariot and a royal gun carriage. 
 
 The urn, placed under a nine-tiered white umbrella and accompanied by a palace official, was hoisted into the main chamber of the golden-spired crematorium as monks chanted, traditional instruments wailed and artillery fired in the distance. The king then climbed the red-carpeted steps to light candles and incense in honor of his father. 
 
 On a day designated a public holiday in the kingdom, tens of thousands of mourners dressed all in black watched the processions from streets in Bangkok's royal quarter and millions more saw broadcasts aired live on most TV stations and shown at designated viewing areas across the country. 
 
 Before dawn, 63-year-old Somnuk Yonsam-Ar sat on a paper mat in a crowd opposite the Grand Palace. Her granddaughter slept in her lap and her husband rested his head against a metal barrier. The family came from the coastal province of Rayong, where they run a food stall. 
 
 Somnak waved a fan to cool herself but said she was not tired. 
 
 "I feel blessed to be able to sit here, and be part of this," she said. "It's an important day for us." 
 
 Bhumibol's death at age 88 on Oct. 13, 2016, after a reign of seven decades sparked a national outpouring of grief. Millions of Thais visited the throne hall at the Grand Palace to pay respects. 
 
 Deceased Thai royals have traditionally been kept upright in urns during official mourning. But Bhumibol, who spent much of his early life in the West, opted to be put in a coffin, with the royal urn placed next to it for devotional purposes. 
 
 The ceremonial urn was at the center of Thursday's processions, including one led by the current king when 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. 
 
 As the chariot, pulled by hundreds of men in traditional red uniforms, passed the mourners lining the parade route, they prostrated themselves, pressing their folded hands and head on the ground in a show of reverence. 
 
 In the evening, a symbolic cremation was witnessed by royalty and high-ranking officials from 42 countries. Orange-robed monks chanted Buddhist prayers to bless Bhumibol's spirit as the official guests waited to offer sandalwood flowers at the crematorium built to represent mystical Mount Meru, where Buddhist and Hindu gods are believed to dwell. 
 
 Bhumibol's ashes and relics will be transferred to the Grand Palace and the Temple of The Emerald Buddha for further Buddhist rites, and on the final day of the funeral, they are set to be enshrined in spiritually significant locations. 
 
 The funeral is by design an intensely somber event, but also rich in history and cultural and spiritual tradition. 
 
 The adulation Bhumibol inspired was fostered by palace courtiers who worked to rebuild the prestige of a monarchy that lost its mystique and power when a 1932 coup ended centuries of absolute rule by Thai kings. 
 
 That effort built a semi-divine aura around Bhumibol, who was protected from criticism by a draconian law that mandates prison of up to 15 years for insulting senior royals. 
 
 But he was also genuinely respected for his development projects, personal modesty and as a symbol of stability in a nation frequently rocked by political turmoil, though his influence waned in his final years. 
 
 Thais have braved tropical heat and torrential monsoon rains to secure street-side vantage points to witness the funeral. 
 
 Thousands of police and volunteers were on hand to ensure order and entry into the historic royal quarter was tightly controlled to eliminate the faint possibility of protest against the monarchy or military government. 
 
 An activist was detained earlier this week after writing on Facebook that he planned to wear red clothing on the day of Bhumibol's cremation, a color associated with support for elected governments ousted in coups in 2006 and 2014. ||||| Funeral of King Bhumibol Adulyadej ends a year of mourning and sets the stage for King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s era 
 
 Thousands of Thais dressed in black prostrated themselves and wept as the funeral urn for their former king Bhumibol Adulyadej, a man revered as a demigod who became the world’s longest-reigning monarch, was carried by chariot to his cremation pyre. 
 
 Despite monsoon-season downpours punctuated with searing subtropical temperatures, many mourners have spent days in tents hoping to be close to the official send-off for the ninth head of the Chakri dynasty on Thursday. 
 
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 Hotels had been booked up weeks before the special day, which was declared a national holiday, and authorities prepared for 250,000 people to arrive. 
 
 King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the son of the former sovereign, performed the evening service at the three-tiered crematorium, which represents Mount Meru, the centre of the Hindu and Buddhist universe where it is believed Thai royals return after death. 
 
 The country’s top artisans have spent 10 months constructing the spectacular 50-metre-tall, golden crematorium. Its structure of nine gilded spires was adorned with images from mythology and the life of the king, including statues of his two favourite dogs. 
 
 Facebook Twitter Pinterest The royal chariot which carried the body of the late Thai king. Photograph: Wason Wanichakorn/AP 
 
 A day-long grand procession of royal chariots and palanquins included the great victory chariot, a four-wheeled, 13-tonne vehicle that transported the king’s body to the crematorium, pulled by more than 200 men. 
 
 The junta had set aside 3bn baht (£70m) for the lavish funeral of a man viewed as a beacon of stability and peacemaker in a nation that has suffered repeated violent coups and counter-coups since his coronation in 1950. 
 
 Draconian lese-majesty laws make it illegal to criticise the monarchy, considered the world’s wealthiest, and the military generals currently in power who see themselves as royal protectors have ramped up prison sentences. 
 
 People feel genuine adoration for the man, who took the throne unexpectedly after his elder brother was shot in the head. He helped lift many in Thailand out of poverty through decades of philanthropy. 
 
 The cremation became a fixation for the Thai public, with Bangkok residents folding more than 10m flowers made of shaved sandalwood and placing them at temples. Its fragrance is believed to lead the souls of the dead to heaven. 
 
 One mourner, Montatip Chinnaprom, laid her flowers at a shrine on the outskirts of the old city after authorities closed entrance points to crowds. More than 100,000 had already entered the complex by early morning. 
 
 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Front page of Thai newspaper The Nation marking the king’s cremation. 
 
 “I want to be as close to the cremation as possible,�? said the 22-year-old student, dress in black shirt and skirt. “I loved king Rama Nine,�? she added, referring to the monarch’s title. 
 
 Thai newspapers turned their websites monotone to express their grief. 
 
 Close to 80,000 security personnel were deployed, and drones were banned within a 19km radius. In fear of a mass influx, the government built 85 smaller replicas of the crematorium around the country where people can mourn. 
 
 Bangkok’s two metro services were free to use all day on Thursday and some food shops offered free meals. Jazz music composed by the king, who loved the saxophone, has been playing in public areas of the capital for weeks. 
 
 Queen Sofia of Spain, the former German president Christian Wulff, the UK’s Prince Andrew, and the Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen were some of foreign dignitaries who attended the cremation. 
 
 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Mourners wait for the start of the funeral procession. Photograph: Jorge Silva/Reuters 
 
 Television channels were ordered to reduce their colour saturation and not to air overly upbeat content in the lead-up to the cremation. About 10,000 7-Eleven convenience stores closed for the day. 
 
 Strict regulations handed out to reporters covering the event included a ban on long hair, earrings and moustaches for male journalists. “Unnatural hair colouring is not allowed,�? they said. 
 
 The symbolic service – the actual cremation took place later on Thursday – ends the official mourning period, a year in which government officials and many Thais have only worn black. 
 
 Public shows such as masked plays, puppet shows and orchestral concerts began on Thursday evening, part of an extravagant five-day Buddhist ceremony including thousands of musicians and dancers. 
 
 
 
 “The king was very important for Thai people,�? said Nutthapol, a librarian who said the monarch had donated money to the university where he is employed. “He worked for Thailand.�? 
 
 His successor, Vajiralongkorn or Rama X, does not yet command the same affection as his father and has spent much of his adult life abroad, mostly in Germany. Since ascending to the throne, the 65-year-old - who had a long military career - has made amendments to the constitution that reinforce his powers. 
 
 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Thai mourners sit in front of the royal crematorium and funeral complex. Photograph: Wason Wanichakorn/AP 
 
 The rite to send off the former monarch, known locally as the “father of all Thais�?, is the emblematic end of his era and paves the way for the formal coronation of Vajiralongkorn. 
 
 “The cremation is a crucial ritual for Thailand,�? said Paul Chambers of Thailand’s Naresuan University. “The December coronation of his son ... marks the official new beginning of the next dynasty. The father’s long and well-choreographed reign will be a tough act for the son to follow. As such, he will not escape the inevitable comparison.�? 
 
 Since the king died on 13 October last year, more than 12 million people have visited his coffin at the Grand Palace. 
 
 The king’s ashes and bones will be returned to the palace on Friday and placed in the Emerald Buddha temple, the most sacred Buddhist site in Thailand.
– With solemn faces and outright tears, Thais said farewell to their king and father figure with elaborate funeral ceremonies that cap a year of mourning and are steeped in centuries of tradition. Smoke rose just before midnight Thursday from the spectacularly ornate crematorium built in the year since King Bhumibol Adulyadej died; the Guardian reports it stands 164 feet, includes statues of the king's two most beloved dogs, and symbolizes the sacred Mount Meru, where Thai royals are thought to live after death alongside Buddhist and Hindu gods. The five-day funeral began Wednesday, with a day-long procession of chariots and palanquins taking place the next day. The king's body was wheeled in the victory chariot, which was pulled by at least 200 men. CNN reports the cremation was a private ceremony attended by family Thursday night, preceded by a symbolic cremation witnessed by royalty and high-ranking officials from 42 countries. On Friday morning, his son, current King Maha Vajiralongkorn, participated in a religious ceremony involving his father's remains. The AP reports Thai television broadcast pictures of Vajiralongkorn bathing Bhumibol's relics—charred bones—and placing them in golden reliquary urns. Those ashes and relics will be transferred to the Grand Palace and the Temple of The Emerald Buddha for further Buddhist rites, and on the final day of the funeral, they are set to be enshrined in spiritually significant locations.