BANGKOK, Oct 29 (APP/AFP) – Tens of thousands of Thais streamed into Bangkok’s Grand Palace on Saturday as the public was granted its first chance to enter the throne hall where the body of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is lying in state. Bhumibol, who died at 88 two weeks ago, was adored by many of his subjects and seen as an anchor of stability in a kingdom rocked by turbulent politics. His passing has thrust the country into a year of official mourning, with most Thais wearing only black and white since his death and TV channels devoting hours of airtime to footage from his 70-year reign. For the past two weeks crowds have massed outside the Grand Palace, a compound of shimmering temples and pavilions in Bangkok’s old quarter, to pay tribute before a portrait of the monarch. But Saturday was the first time the public has been allowed to enter the decorated throne hall where his body is lying in a coffin behind a gilded urn.
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Thousands queue to visit coffin of late Thai king
