Body of late Thai king to be moved to Grand Palace

The remains of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away Thursday in Siriraj Hospital, are set to be moved to the Grand Palace Friday afternoon, local media reported.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will depart from Dusit Palace to Siriraj Hospital at about 3:30 p.m. local time (0830 GMT), said the Matichon newspaper.

Round 4:00 p.m. (0900 GMT), the crown prince, Wat Bowonniwet Vihara's abbot and doctors will accompany the king's body to leave from the hospital and head for the Grand Palace by a motorcade.

The crown prince will preside over the bathing of the king's body in the Grand Palace, which is a traditional Buddhist funeral rite.

Many Thais were waiting for the process outside the hospital and the palace as more people were flocking to these two places.

The deeply revered king, who reigned the country for 70 years, died on Thursday at the age 88.

(APD)