Over 5,000 people from Thailand and all over the United Kingdom gathered in London’s Trafalgar Square to sing the Thai Royal Anthem and pay respects to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej who passed away on October 13.

The occasion was hosted by Samaggi Samagom, the Thai UK Students’ Association and various Thai groups and individuals in the UK.

Sunday’s event consisted of two sessions of 90 seconds of silent contemplation and the Thai Royal Anthem was sung three times.

A large number of Thais arrived in the square as early as 11am (BST), long before the scheduled start of activities at 3.20pm. They held pictures of the late King and some carried Thai national flags.

A number of those present were Britons with Thai spouses or friends, or who had lived and worked in Thailand.

Some of the participating non-Thais were able to sing the Royal Anthem. Steven Mitchel was seen singing the anthem, assisted by phonetic lyrics prepared by his Thai ex-wife and their two daughters.

A great number of Thais present expressed their feelings of huge loss and stated that they were grateful for the chance to pay their respects to His Majesty in the famous square. Many intend to return to Thailand as soon as possible to join the thousands of mourners at the palace.