Thousands of Thais flocked to Siriraj Hospital yesterday to mourn the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej who passed away there one year ago at the age of 89.
They joined their compatriots nationwide in commemorating the first anniversary of his passing. King Rama IX was pronounced dead at 3.52pm on Oct 13, 2016.
Many of those who spent the day at the hospital were also there one year earlier, praying for a miracle.
The prospect of heavy rain did not deter them yesterday.
Both sides of the 100th Year Siriraj Centennial Hall were occupied by a multitude of solemn faces clad mostly in black.
"I had flashbacks to last year," TV and radio announcer Apisak Chuachan said as he recalled the extended moment of silence mourners observed yesterday at 3.52pm.
"At first it was so crowded I couldn't hear the speaker. But people grew silent at 3.51pm and stayed quiet until about 3.59pm," he said.
"I was numb, I couldn't cry. Only when I got in the shower did I cry, and then I couldn't stop."
Pranee Abdulraman, a department store clerk from Pracha Uthit, said she wanted to express her love for the late King because she missed him so much.
"I chose to come here because it's where King Bhumibol drew his last breath," she said.
For Natthaporn Tantiweerawong, a doctor in Pathum Thani, the memories of that heartrending day remain vivid and painful.
"I was driving when I first heard the news," Ms Natthaporn said.
"When it hit me, I felt confused, adrift and heartbroken," she added, tears streaming from her eyes.
Thongkam Pomparkrong, a 63-year-old merchant from Kanchanaburi, struggled to hold back his tears as he recalled that tragic day.
"Not a day has passed that I don't feel sad," he said.
Due to the limited space, only 600 to 700 people were allowed inside the 100th Year Siriraj Centennial Hall and Prince Mahidol Court during yesterday's merit-making ceremony organised by Siriraj Medical School.
Some attempted to sneak in, shuffling between doors only to be turned away.
One elderly lady, when denied access, pleaded to the security guard -- "I just want a closer glimpse" -- to no avail.
Many gathered on the lawn around a statue of Prince Mahidol holding pictures of the late King in their hands.
Some brought marigold flowers and yellow roses -- the colour associated in Thailand with Monday, the day on which the late King was born.
During the ceremony, people were asked to close their eyes and reminisce about their beloved late King for 89 seconds as a tribute. The number of seconds matches the age of the late King, who passed away in his 89th year. The mourners at the hospital stayed silent for nine minutes.
The only sound during that time was the clicking of camera shutters.
Some were overwhelmed. Many fought back tears. Others wept freely.
After the ceremony the heavens opened on merit-makers exiting the grounds, many with garlands in their hands.
Nunta Sangswang, a 71-year-old retired civil servant, was leaving with her two grandsons. She paused for a moment to reflect on the day.
"It made me feel good, in a way", she said. "Yet I still feel heartbroken."
Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Chaipattana Foundation and a close aide to King Bhumibol, was also in attendance.
"The real tribute to the late King is in our actions," he said philosophically.
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