BANGKOK, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The atmosphere on the streets in Bangkok were solemn on Saturday as the royal cremation procession of Princess Galyani Vadhana, late elder sister of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, was held.

    Tens of thousands of Thais in black gathered around Sanam Luang(Royal Field) square in central to witness the procession of the funeral ceremony, which began at 7:00 a.m. Saturday (2400GMT, Friday) to bid farewell to the late princess, who passed away on January 2 this year at the age of 84 after a long battle with abdominal cancer.

    King Bhumibol, Queen Sirikit and other members of the royal family arrived at the temporary crematorium in late afternoon to preside at the ceremonial cremation.

    Mourners placed sandalwood bunches to be burned at eight designated spots at Sanam Luang as a religious rite to pay respect for the late princess.

    About 3,000 people, comprising members of the royal family, the Cabinet, Parliament, Senate, and the diplomatic corps, as well as senior officials and representatives of the private sector, attended the event.

    The ceremony on Saturday will last into early hours of Sunday. A series of royal ceremonies to collect the relics, enshrine the urn and merit-making rites will take place during the next few days through Wednesday when the royal ashes is moved to be enshrined at the Rangsi Vadhana Memorial in central Bangkok.