Il Nuovo Postiglione - Black-clad Thai mourners weep for former Queen Sirikit

Among them was store owner Tanyaporn Arammetha, 65, who was 15 when she first met the former queen during a royal visit in Chonburi province south of Bangkok.

She recalled Queen Sirikit calling her "little girl" and asking her if she had eaten -- a gesture that left a lasting impression of her warmth.

Like many across Thailand, she heard the news of the death of Queen Sirikit, the mother of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, at around 2 am on Saturday.

The royal family is venerated in Thailand, treated by many as semi-divine figures and lavished with glowing media coverage and portraits hanging in public and in private homes.

Tanyaporn arrived at Chulalongkorn hospital about three hours after hearing of the death of the late queen, who was 93, joining other mourners holding youthful portraits of her.

She said she was "confused" when she first heard the news.

"I had just participated in her birthday event this August. I didn't think this day would come," Tanyaporn told AFP, tears welling in her eyes.

She said Thailand would be "different, but we still have King Rama X, who is still the heart of the nation", she said, using King Vajiralongkorn's formal title.

- 'Stay strong' -

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Saturday flags would be flown at half-mast for 30 days out of respect for the late queen.

Government workers would be required to wear mourning attire for one year, he said, while the public "may adjust as appropriate, but we are asking for cooperation to wear black or dark colours for 90 days".

Authorities have suspended most weddings and concerts.

However, K-pop group BLACKPINK, who are in the middle of a 5-day run in the capital, confirmed they would still play. Their tour agent requested that fans wear black instead of pink to their last two concerts.

The late queen's body is set to be moved from the hospital to the Grand Palace on Sunday for a funeral that afternoon.

Siraphob Sutthisalakorn, 63, who works for a frozen food company, said he cried throughout the two-hour drive from his home province of Singburi to Bangkok after he heard the news.

He said he grew up seeing photos of Queen Sirikit everywhere and witnessed her "lifelong dedication to the country".

"Every time I come to Bangkok and pass this hospital, I always pay my respects," he said.

"From now on, Thailand will have to stay strong".

A.Ferrara--INP