Thailand prepares for King Bhumibol's funeral

Thousands of volunteers dressed all in black have gathered in Bangkok near the Royal Palace to prepare the city for the five-day funeral ceremony for the late King Bhumipol. The monarch, who many refer to as the "father of all Thais," died last October after ruling for more than 7 decades. Thailand-based photographer @rockkhound took these photos for DW's Instagram account @dw_stories

Over the last months, dedicated volunteers and artisans have prepared Bangkok for the king's cremation on October 26. Parks and flower beds around the Royal Palace are full of yellow marigolds, a flower associated with the king because its color represents Monday, the day he was born.

The five-day funeral is one of superlatives, involving thousands of volunteers, musicians and performers. Some 80,000 security personnel will be deployed while 250,000 people are expected to attend the events. Since the king's death last October, more than 12 million people have prostrated themselves in front of his coffin at the Grand Palace, where he has remained prior to his cremation.

Volunteers dressed in black and with raincapes gather in front of one of the many giant posters of the king along the palace walls. These monochrome posters are scattered throughout the city and have served as points for Thais to pay respect to the world's longest ruling monarch, whom many in the country worshipped as a demigod.

Only a limited number of mourners will be granted access to the ceremony at the Royal Crematorium, which was built especially for King Bhumibol. All other Thais will pay their respects to the king at ornate replicas, like this one. There are nine such replicas in Bangkok, each topped with a golden spire symbolizing Mount Meru, the center of the Hindu and Buddhist universe.

Thailand has been in mourning since the king died last year on Oct. 13. Government workers and many citizens have worn black. Businesses have published billboards with condolences, and giant monochrome posters of the king line city streets. Small stands like this one near the Royal Palace sell souvenirs with Bhumibol's face printed on them to mourners.

Authorities have published strict regulations on clothing and conduct for those attending the funeral processions. People are advised to wear black and long pants or skirts. Jeans and tight clothes are discouraged. Anyone who attends must have an ID card. Loud noise and selfies are prohibited during the procession and cremation.