The people of Thailand have spent Friday mourning King Bhumibol Adulyadej after the world’s longest-reigning monarch died on Thursday.<br /><br /> Crowds gathered early in Bangkok to watch a royal convoy move slowly through the capital’s ancient district to the Grand Palace. Many people were dressed in black and carried portraits of the king.<br /><br /> Although the monarch had been in poor health for years, many saw him as a father-figure who stabilised the country through decades of coups, political turmoil and civil unrest.<br /><br /> “I have given my services to the king in the past, so it was necessary for me to be here. I want to be here and I am happy, even if I have been here since the early morning,” said one man, Sayan Gidganjaradwong.<br /><br /> “I feel like it was a good chance for me to see him for the final time. I won’t ever forget this, I feel as if all Thais feel the same way as me. The king was like a father, it feels like my father has died,” Nantiya Thaiboonrueng added, choking back tears as she spoke.<br /><br /> People in Thailand mourn their king after the announcement of his death.<br /><br />King Bhumibol Adulyadej was the world’s longest-reigning monarch. pic.twitter.com/0laMVPU6S9— AJ+ (@ajplus) October 13, 2016<br /><br /> Buddhist monks chanted prayers at the Grand Palace. A traditional royal cremation is expected but no date has been set.<br /><br /> Queues had begun forming early outside the palace where people took part in a ritual cleansing process to mourn the monarch.<br /><br /> Some of those who had gathered outside the hospital where the 88-year-old king died broke down in tears.<br /><br /> Thailand’s cabinet declared Friday a government holiday, and flags will fly at half-mast for 30 days.<br /><br /> The government has also asked for people to wear black, and avoid “joyful events” during this period.<br /><br /> Many Thais worry about a future without the king. The military which took power in a coup in 2014 has long used defending the monarchy to justify its intervention in politics.<br /><br /> The heir apparent, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, who is far less liked, wants to leave the formal succession until later.<br /><br /> In 2010, a leaked US diplomatic cable showed members of the Thai privy council discussing their concerns about the crown prince.<br />
