Ethnic Thais from 41 tribes pay respects to late King

More than 5,000 ethnic people from 41 tribes across the country walk to the Grand Palace on Monday to pay respects to the late monarch. (Photo by Krit Phromsakla Na Sakolnakorn)

Thousands of ethnic people from more than 40 tribes across the country thronged the Grand Palace to pay their respects to the late King Bhumibol Ayulyadej on Monday.

More than 5,000 tribesmen from 41 tribes, such as Karen, Hmong, Akha, Muser, Dara-ang, Kachin and Lisu, wearing their tribal costumes, travelled from highlands to the Grand Palace to show their loyalty and gratitude to the late King for his contribution to improve the livelihood of his subjects in remote mountainous areas.

Each group performed traditional ritual ceremonies at Saranrom Park before forming a long queue to pay tribute to the late king before his royal urn at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace.

Tribal women cry while joining an ethnic ceremony before paying tribute to the late King on Monday. (Photo by Krit Phromsakla Na Sakolnakorn)