Thousands of grievers lined the streets of Bangkok, waiting patiently under the hot sun for their turn to enter the Grand Palace and pay their respects to King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The much loved ruler was seen as a beacon of stability through decades of political turmoil and change, and many of Thailand’s people feel they have lost far more than a monarch.

Grand Palace closed to tourists but pavilion open for mourners https://t.co/z21eI7pqzk pic.twitter.com/wBW7USot7Z— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) 15 October 2016

The late HM The King Bhumibol Adulyadej is being moved to Grand Palace, #Bangkok pic.twitter.com/q8H77tYZTp— Tayland Haber (@SiniZeR) 14 October 2016

Eyebrows raised over successor

There remains confusion as to when the Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be crowned.

He has asked to be given time to mourn his father, although Thai Prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has confirmed that the heir will succeed his father on the throne.

However, the prince is not as well loved by his future subjects as his father.

Eccentric behaviour and an apparent disregard for the public duties expected of a king have led many to question his abilities as a leader.

Thailand’s incoming monarch, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.. too much sweg pic.twitter.com/GD6Kg84qdI— Mr UnderCover (@JJscatter) 15 October 2016

Known for his Caligula-like act of making his pet poodle “Foo Foo” an air chief marshal in the Thai military, the heir has often found himself surrounded by controversy.

Former Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda will serve as regent until a new king is crowned.