Thailand grieves in elaborate final goodbye to 'father of the nation' King Bhumibol

A sea of black-clad mourners massed across Bangkok's historic heart on Thursday as funeral rituals began for King Bhumibol funeral Adulyadej, a revered monarch whose passing after a seven-decade reign left Thailand bereft of its only unifying figure.

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn, center, walks in funeral procession of late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok. Tearful Thais clad in black mourned on Bangkok's streets or at viewing areas around the nation as elaborate funeral ceremonies steepe 

As dawn broke an estimated 200,000 Thais had gathered around the Grand Palace to bid an emotional farewell to the monarch known as 'father of the nation' silently packing the pavements, many clutching portraits of the beloved late king. (Photo: AP)

Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, second left, and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, left, participate in the funeral procession and royal cremation ceremony. (Photo: AP)

The lavish event gives the public a chance to say a final goodbye to a king who was crowned in 1950 and towered over decades of Thai history, before his death last October aged 88 seeded uncertainty in a country ruled by a divisive junta. IN PIC: Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn participates at the funeral procession. (Photo: AP)

The royal honor guards walk in front of the Grand Palace during the funeral procession and royal cremation ceremony of late Thai King. (Photo: AP)

The ceremony is attended by a 'Who's Who' of Thai power -- royals, generals and establishment figures -- as well as scores of foreign dignitaries. IN PIC: Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, right, walks in funeral procession. (Photo: AP)

The golden spires of a spectacular USD 90 million cremation site, purpose-built for the funeral, were bathed in light as Bhumibol's son and heir, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, joined Buddhist monks to start a day of sombre processions, colourful pageantry and religious ceremony. (Photo: AP)