Flames dance and a king ascends to heaven

Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej will receive a lavish send-off this week during a spectacular five-day funeral centred on a cremation at a gilded pyre in Bangkok's historic heart on Thursday.

Steeped in centuries of royal tradition, the elaborate $90-million ceremony will draw an estimated quarter million Thais to bid farewell to the "father" of the nation, who died last year aged 88.

Here are a few things to know about the funeral of a king revered as a demigod who reigned for seven decades.

At the heart of the cremation complex is a 50m-high funeral pyre symbolising Mount Meru, the allegorical centre of the universe in Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cosmology.

The gold-painted structure is adorned with dozens of intricate sculptures of animals, deities and mythical creatures from Buddhist and Hindu lore.

Pride of place will go to sculptures of the late king's beloved dogs.

Arranged symmetrically around the main tower are eight smaller structures representing the mountains surrounding Meru - and a possible nod to Bhumibol's title as the ninth monarch of the Chakri dynasty, or Rama IX.

The vast site, nearly a year in the making, is studded with references to the king's welfare projects, including a small rice field and an irrigation wheel.

Bhumibol's body is kept in a separate coffin to the symbolic Royal Urn, which will be carried up a ramp on a golden chariot to the pyre. Both the urn and coffin will be cremated, allowing his soul to pass into the afterlife according to Buddhist belief.

While sombre, the funeral is also a celebration as the late king ascends to heaven, with music and traditional dancers a key part of the ceremony.

The funeral formally begins on Wednesday with a Thai Buddhist religious ritual. It will be led by Bhumibol's only son King Maha Vajiralongkorn, known as Rama X.

The following day the Royal Urn will be carried from the Grand Palace by bearers in striking traditional garb, flanked by drummers and soldiers.

On its way to the cremation site it will pass tens of thousands of black-clad mourners who are expected to bow and prostrate where possible.

A bank of monks will lead Buddhist prayers throughout the day-long ritual.

As dusk falls, the king and other royalty will lead the laying of sandalwood flowers at the urn. The cremation itself will take place at 10pm when Rama X will light the pyre.

Three days of ceremonies to remove royal relics from the ashes will follow. The ashes will be taken to the Grand Palace while the relics will be enshrined in two temples.

The funeral procession will be headed by Rama X, with his sister Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn leading the rest of the royal family.

Royalty and dignitaries from over 40 countries will attend the cremation.

The funeral comes with a long list of guidelines for attendees. Photographers are prohibited from taking direct shots of the king, while male journalists have been ordered to shave their beards and moustaches. - AFP