Thais are marking one year since the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej with formal ceremonies and acts of personal devotion. It takes place before an elaborate five-day funeral planned for later this month. The king passed away on October 13th last year after a reign lasting seven decades. Official commemorations of Bhumibol were organized at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital, where he died, as well as at Government House and the royal palace. CGTN's Dusita Saokaew has this report.

 

DUSITA SAOKAEW BANGKOK It's been exactly one year since Thailand lost a man they called their father. What followed was a year of mourning. Today as we mark one year since the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, many Thais are still struggling to come to terms with their great loss. This is Siriraj hospital. And prior to King Bhumibol's passing, this is where he lived for 2 years in care of doctors and nurses who worked tirelessly to save his life. This is also where he passed, ending a 70 year reign, a couple of months shy of his 89th birthday.

 

A sea of mourners dressed in black gather, stretching out as far as we can see. The emotions felt here is still very raw. It's very hard to convey to you the extraordinary atmosphere here among the crowds. They come together in a powerful shared sense of national grief, felt not only here but in all corners of the country. He was known to Thais as the 'People's King'. Through his work, his dedication to his people, through his programs, he has touched the lives of people from all different walks of life.

 

ANONG HATSATHADON  I'm deeply saddened and miss my King so much. Right now, I can't believe that he is gone and this day has come. I wish he was still here and lived with us forever.

 

BOONYA CHOMCHOEI My King gave us everything and he did everything for the Thai people so we can live better lives.

 

DUSITA SAOKAEW BANGKOK Not far from here, Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha along with cabinet ministers are holding a merit-making ceremony to pay tribute to late King with 89 Buddhist monks receiving alms. When the clock shows 3.52pm (local time), this hospital as well as many locations throughout the country will fall silent for 89 seconds, marking the moment of the country's great loss and in respect to the beloved monarch. A man considered the father of modern Thailand. A man many can't believe, even one year later, is gone. Dusita Saokaew CGTN Thailand.