BANGKOK (AP) – Thailand began its first day in 70 years without a king on Friday in a profound state of mourning, with the government declaring a public holiday and people across the shaken nation dressed in black following the death of the world’s longest-reigning monarch, Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The 88-year-old king had spent much of the last decade hospitalized and the momentous news, announced in a palace statement Thursday, had long been both anticipated and feared. But the nation remained stable and life continued largely as usual with most shops, banks and tourist sites open.
After plunging for days, the Thai stock market opened up, rising more than 4 percent in morning trading in a sign of renewed confidence in the economy.
In Bangkok, residents began lining the streets where the king’s body was expected to pass Friday afternoon in a royal procession from Siriraj hospital to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew, which is located on the grounds of the ornate Grand Palace.
“It is a great loss for Thai people,” said Siwanart Phra-Anan, on office worker in the financial district. “His Majesty will be in Thai people’s heart forever.”