The Thai cabinet approved a public holiday for government offices Friday. The cabinet is asking the public not to hold any "entertainment activities" for a month, according to an announcement on Thai state television. The holiday is discretionary for private companies.
A large number of people gathered to attend Friday's symbolic royal bathing of King Bhumibhol, which is open to the general public until noon. The procession to move King Bhumibhol’s body from Siriraj Hospital will begin at 1 pm.
Thousands of people in black are waiting on footpaths around the Siriraj Hospital to pay respect to His Majesty during the procession of His Majesty's body from the hospital to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace.
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is the king's appointed successor.
Civil servants are ordered to wear black clothes for one year in mourning from today.