Thousands line streets as Thailand king's body brought to palace

Buddhist funeral ceremonies have begun in Bangkok for King Bhumibol Adulyadej before his body is displayed for people to pay their respects to the longest-serving monarch in the world.

Thousands of people sat in rows up to five deep on both sides of the road as a royal convoy led by a van carrying the king's body and monks drove to the Grand Palace complex in the capital.

Many were sobbing openly and bowing deeply as the convoy passed, clutching portraits of the king in regal yellow robes.

A crowd gathered at Bangkok's main railway station to watch the procession on a large public screen.

Authorities are expected to run more train in the next few days to cope with an anticipated surge in travellers wanting to join in the mourning for the monarch, who died on Thursday at the age of 88.

King Bhumibol had been on the throne for 70 years and most Thais had known no other king.

:: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej dies aged 88

His son and expected successor, Crown Prince Maha Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhaya, followed behind his father's body in a Mercedes van.

The monarch's body will lie at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha - or Wat Phra Kaew - inside the Grand Palace complex for an undisclosed duration.

No date has been set for the cremation.

Prince Vajiralongkorn has asked for more time to mourn with the rest of the Thailand populace and the government has declared a public holiday, as well as a one-year mourning period.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has urged British tourists to "respect the feelings and sensitivities of the Thai people at this time".

Around one million visits by British nationals are made to Thailand every year.

The FCO advised British nationals to "behave respectfully" and wear "sombre" clothing as the country mourns.

It said: "Access to entertainment, including restaurants, bars, and shopping areas may be restricted and you should behave respectfully when in public areas.

"If possible, wear sombre and respectful clothing when in public.

"Check local media regularly and follow the advice of the local authorities."

King Bhumibol had been in poor health for several years but his death has shocked the Southeast Asian nation of 67 million people.

Prince Vajiralongkorn does not command the same adoration that his father earned over a lifetime on the throne, according to commentators.

The country has endured bomb attacks and economic worries over recent years while rivalry simmers between the military-led establishment and populist political forces after a decade of turmoil including two coups and deadly protests.

The Thai stock market opened higher - up more than 4% in morning trading - after suffering losses in the last few days.

The king stepped in to calm crises on several occasions during his reign and there is concern for a future without him.

Military government leader Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said the country was in "immeasurable grief ... profound sorrow and bereavement".

He said security was his top priority and called for businesses to stay active and stock investors not to dump shares.