Thailand bade a final goodbye to its beloved late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday in a ceremony steeped in ancient rituals, processions and Buddhist rites that drew hundreds of thousands of mourners.

Despite heavy downpours, black-clad mourners crowded Bangkok's historic quarter where the king's cremation took place.

The $90 million funeral marks the end of an era for many Thais who had only ever known King Bhumibol as their monarch. It ushers in the reign of the late king's son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, or Rama X, who ascended the throne last year but whose coronation can only take place after his father's funeral.