BANGKOK, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Millions of black-clothed people across Thailand and many others around the world joined in a historical cremation ceremony for late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday.
In Bangkok, King Maha Vajiralongkorn as well as members of Thailand's royal households led a procession of a symbolic golden urn from the Grand Palace to an elaborately decorated crematorium on a nearby Sanam Luang ground.
Members of some countries' royal families and senior officials from dozens of countries, including China's Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping, attended the ceremony at Sanam Luang.
A large amount of mourners viewed the royal procession and took part in the ceremonial laying of sandalwood flowers at the crematorium. The ceremonial cremation was organized in late afternoon followed by the actual cremation several hours later in the night.
Elsewhere at specific venues in the Thai capital and all 76 provinces across the country, people attended a similar ceremony with replicas of the crematorium to lay sandalwood flowers and pay homage to the late king.
In world capital cities, Thai nationals attended a similar ceremony for their late monarch at Thai embassies and consular offices.
King Bhumibol, who had reigned Thailand for 70 years since 1946, died last October after he had been hospitalized for several years. He was succeeded by his only son King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who was named Crown Prince in 1972.
