Thousands queue to visit coffin of late Thai king

A mourner clutches a picture of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej after the hearse carrying the body of the late monarch passes the Grand Palace in Bangkok on October 14, 2016.
Bhumibol, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, passed away aged 88 on October 13, 2016 after years of ill health, removing a stabilising father figure from a country where political tensions remain two years after a military coup. AFP PHOTO

BANGKOK—Thousands of Thais streamed into the gates of Bangkok’s Grand Palace on Saturday as the public was granted its first chance to enter the throne hall where the body of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is lying in state.

Bhumibol, who died at 88 two weeks ago, was adored by many of his subjects and seen as an anchor of stability in a kingdom rocked by turbulent politics.

His passing has thrust the country into a year of official mourning, with most Thais wearing only black and white since his death and TV channels devoting hours of airtime to footage from his 70-year reign.

READ: Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej dies

For the past two weeks crowds have massed outside the Grand Palace, a compound of shimmering temples and pavilions in Bangkok’s old quarter, to pay tribute before a portrait of the monarch.

READ: Massive crowds sing royal tribute to late Thai king

But Saturday was the first time the public has been allowed to enter the ornate throne hall where his body is lying in a coffin behind a gilded urn.

“I have been waiting here since 1:00 am,” said Saman Daoruang, an 84-year-old sitting in a massive queue that snaked around a large field outside the palace, where tens of thousands were gathered by morning.

Many of the black-clad mourners, who hailed from around the country, were seen wiping away tears as they left the spired building.

Authorities have said 10,000 people will be permitted to enter the hall per day.

Like many in the crowd, Saman slept under a tent on the grassy parade grounds after arriving in Bangkok by train from northern Nakhon Sawan province.

“But I haven’t been able to sleep because I was so thrilled and proud to come here,” he told Agence France-Presse, clutching several portraits of the monarch.

Thailand’s arch-royalist military government, which came to power in a 2014 coup, has encouraged mass displays of devotion for the late king and arranged a flurry of free bus, train and boat rides to move mourners to the capital.

It has also stepped up its enforcement of lese majeste — a draconian law that punishes criticism of the monarchy with up to 15 years in prison per infringement.

The law has significantly curbed public discussion of the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who has yet to attract the same level of devotion as his father.

All media based in Thailand must self-censor to avoid falling foul of the law.

In a move that surprised many and veered from tradition, the 64-year-old has asked to delay his proclamation as king in order to grieve with the nation, according the junta.

The government has not provided a clear timeline for when he will formally ascend the throne.