Thai elephants in tribute to late king at ancient capital

AYUTTHAYA, Thailand – Eleven Thai elephants, doused in powder to appear an auspicious white, stood at attention and trumpeted grandly at a ceremony Friday in Thailand’s ancient royal capital, Ayutthaya, marking one year since King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s death. Mourners clad in black stood in front of the elephants and fell silent for 89 seconds from 3:52 p.m., the official time of Bhumibol’s death in what Thailand’s Buddhist culture recognized as his 89th year. Then they sang an uplifting royal anthem and held pictures of Bhumibol above their heads while others prostrated on the ground.