Thailand kicks off lavish funeral of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, thousands turn out to see procession; see pictures

Thousands of people turned out in Bangkok to watch the funeral procession of Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, with buildings draped in yellow marigolds and mourners lining the streets on the eve of his cremation. Mourners dressed in black slept overnight on thin plastic mats on pavements near the Grand Palace in the Thai capital in order to secure a good view of the procession.

Take a look at the royal funeral proces:

Ancient rites

The king's cremation will feature ancient rites and a series of processions winding from the Grand Palace in Bangkok's historic quarter to the 50-metre (165-feet) high Royal Crematorium that has been erected in a square near the palace. (AP Photo)

His body will be pulled from the Grand Palace to the cremation site on a golden chariot. (AP Photo)

A sum of $90 million has been set aside for the funeral, the likes of which has never been seen in Thailand, officials in preparations have said. (Reuters Photo)

The royal chariot is in position before the start of the funeral procession of late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok. (AP Photo)

The Royal Crematorium site is seen before the funeral procession for Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej near the Grand Palace in Bangkok. (Reuters Photo)

The Great Victory Chariot carrying the Royal Urn of Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is pulled during a royal cremation procession at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. (Reuters Photo)

King Bhumibol, also known as King Rama IX, died last October aged 88 after ruling for seven decades. (AP Photo)

He played a pivotal role in maintaining stability during years of political upheaval and rapid development.

In this photo Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn takes a part in the royal cremation procession of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. (Reuters Photo)

Analysts say the king's death has left a large vacuum in the Thai psyche. (Reuters Photo)

Thailand has observed a year of mourning for King Bhumibol. (Reuters Photo)

Radio and television stations have played songs dedicated to the monarch almost non-stop since his death.

An artillery gun is fired at the funeral procession and royal cremation ceremony of late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. (AP Photo)

The songs urge Thais to follow in "father's footsteps".

In this photo Thai mourners, carrying portraits of late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej gather in front of a replica of the royal crematorium in Bangkok, Thailand. (AP Photo)

Days of heavy rain failed to deter mourners, many of whom pitched tents in order to gain the best access to the funeral. (Reuters Photo)

King Bhumibol is often referred to as "father" by Thais and is credited with reviving the popularity of the monarchy in Thailand. (AP Photo)

The Royal Crematorium site is seen before the funeral procession for Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. (Reuters Photo)

Mourners shield themselves from the sun as they wait for the Royal Cremation ceremony of Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej to begin near the Grand Palace in Bangkok. (Reuters Photo)

King Bhumibol was born on a Monday, a day which Thais associate with the colour yellow. (Reuters Photo)

Thai Buddhists traditionally keep the bodies of their dead for seven days before a cremation. (Reuters Photo)

Funerals of Thai royals, however, have historically taken place months after death.(Reuters Photo)