The Bangkok Post has released details for the five day funeral of Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the ceremony will take place at the end of December from the 25-29, 2017.
The death of the late monarch did not come as a surprise to his people or the world. He suffered a long-time illness and was hospitalised for the last year of his life. He was a ruler loved by those of his kingdom and from around the world. The Emperor and Empress of Japan are to pay their respects to their friend of over fifty years this weekend when they visit Thailand.
The late King’s daughter, and current King’s sister, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn attended a meeting this past Wednesday of a government committee overseeing the elaborate plans for the funeral. She proposed tentative dates for the event and suggested the panel submit their plans for the King’s approval.
The complex, ritualistic ceremony will take place over five days. It will begin with a merit-making ceremony on the first day at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace. The late King’s body will be lying in state. On the next day, his body will be taken from the throne hall to the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang where he will be cremated.
On the third day, a ceremony will be held to collect the cremated remains at Sanam Luang. On the fourth day, another merit-making event will be held for the His Majesty’s remains at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall. Finally on the fifth day, a meal will be provided for monks in the throne hall. There will also be a ceremony held as the receptacle with the late monarch’s remains are transferred to the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne inside the Grand Palace where they will stay on a permanent basis.
