Lavish funeral held for beloved Thai king
— -- Thousands of tearful citizens in Thailand were clad in black as they lined the streets and viewing areas for their king's funeral rituals.
The beloved monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died on Oct. 13, 2016, after ruling the country for seven decades. He was 88.
After a year of mourning, the country held its final tribute in an elaborate five-day cremation ceremony.
Businesses were closed, and many usually congested streets were empty. TV stations carried the events live, and billboards featured messages honoring him.
Royalty and other dignitaries, including U.S. Defense Secretary Gen. Jim Mattis, arrived from far and wide to attend the ceremonies.
Artillery was fired, flowers were offered, and hundreds of soldiers and Royal Guards marched in full formal attire. The gilded royal chariot carried the king's urn from the Grand Palace to the Royal Crematorium in the heart of Bangkok.
