Thousands in Thailand bid farewell to its late king, Bhumipol Adulyadej, at a grand cremation ceremony held on Thursday in the capital, Bangkok.

Marked by a series of military salutes, the cremation itself took place late into the night on a funeral pyre at the heart of a ceremonial complex.

As dawn broke, the king's ashes were collected to be transported back to the palace for blessing, before being enshrined at two royal temples.