Royals from 25 countries also gathered in Bangkok to pay tribute to King Bhumibol.

The highlight of the celebration was a splendid royal barge procession over the Chao Phraya River. Many call this waterway the bloodline of the Thai people because much of Thai history has taken place along the banks of this river. And it provided the perfect location for an event which many will never forget.

Ordinary Thais have found their own ways to say how much they love their king.

As the celebrations begin, the nation is burning with "yellow fever". This shirt says "we love our king". For Thais it is their chance to wear their devotion on their backs as well as in their hearts.