(VOVworld) - The streets of the Thai capital turned into rivers of black with tens of thousands of loyal subjects weeping and bowing as they paid respect to their king as his body was transported from the hospital where his reign ended to the palace where it began seven decades earlier.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 88, passed away Thursday at Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital. His only son and heir apparent Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn led the procession from the hospital, across the River of Kings, and into the golden-spired Grand Palace.

The government declared Friday a public holiday and called on the nation to avoid “joyful events” for 30 days, to dress in mourning for a year and pray for the king’s soul to protect the nation.