Bangkok in black: massive crowd of mourners sing national anthem in tribute to late Thai king

Tens of thousands of black-clad Thais gathered outside Bangkok’s Grand Palace on Saturday to sing the royal anthem in a striking display of devotion to the recently deceased King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The monarch, who died on October 13 following years of poor health, was seen as a guiding light and rare source of unity in a kingdom dogged by corruption and political rivalries.

Crowds have been massing outside his glittering Bangkok palace for the past week, with many journeying from far away provinces to pay respects to a man celebrated as the father of the nation.

Some have pitched tents on a large grassy field outside the royal compound, while others have been sleeping under the stars on simple bamboo mats.