Thousands of grievers lined the streets of Bangkok, waiting patiently under the hot sun for their turn to enter the Grand Palace and pay their respects to King Bhumibol Adulyadej.<br /><br /> The much loved ruler was seen as a beacon of stability through decades of political turmoil and change, and many of Thailand’s people feel they have lost far more than a monarch.<br /><br /> Grand Palace closed to tourists but pavilion open for mourners https://t.co/z21eI7pqzk pic.twitter.com/wBW7USot7Z— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) 15 October 2016<br /><br /> The late HM The King Bhumibol Adulyadej is being moved to Grand Palace, #Bangkok pic.twitter.com/q8H77tYZTp— Tayland Haber (@SiniZeR) 14 October 2016<br /><br /> Eyebrows raised over successor<br /><br /> There remains confusion as to when the Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be crowned.<br /><br /> He has asked to be given time to mourn his father, although Thai Prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has confirmed that the heir will succeed his father on the throne.<br /><br /> However, the prince is not as well loved by his future subjects as his father.<br /><br /> Eccentric behaviour and an apparent disregard for the public duties expected of a king have led many to question his abilities as a leader.<br /><br /> Thailand’s incoming monarch, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.. too much sweg pic.twitter.com/GD6Kg84qdI— Mr UnderCover (@JJscatter) 15 October 2016<br /><br /> Known for his Caligula-like act of making his pet poodle “Foo Foo” an air chief marshal in the Thai military, the heir has often found himself surrounded by controversy.<br /><br /> Former Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda will serve as regent until a new king is crowned.<br />
