SURAT THANI - An Australian tourist is walking from Koh Samui to Bangkok to pay respects to King Bhumibol at the Grand Palace.
Michael Hammill heard about the passing of the King last Thursday while on a three-month vacation on the resort island in this southern province.
The 46-year-old tourist was determined to go to the capital on foot after hearing of the nation's loss and started his long journey on Wednesday to join all Thais who mourn the late King.
He arrived on the mainland at Don Sak, with a black sports outfit and a portrait of the late King with a message reading "Walk for King".
Drivers seeing him walking offered him a ride but he declined their generosity.
Mr Hammill said he felt the same way as Thais over the loss of the King and has set his sights on signing a condolence message at the Grand Palace.
The tourist plans to walk about 50 kilometres a day. If he is able to maintain the pace, he will arrive at the Grand Palace in the next 15 days.
