The funeral pyre for the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej is expected to be ready before or during the month of September 2017. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was also called King Rama IX, died on 13 October after many years of ill health. He was 88-years-old.
The Thai government announced on Monday that construction of the pyre will begin next year. Meetings of the committee for the royal pyre-building will be held next Monday, 28 November regarding the construction. There will be skilled artists who are part of the creation of the pyre, as well. They will help with the building and decorations. A model of the pyre will be built first to ensure that all the details are just right for the construction.
The cremation pyre is expected to be placed in front of the Grand Palace in a 74.5-rai Sanam Luang public square. However, the exact location has not yet been finalised according to The Bangkok Post. The Thai newspaper spoke with General Tanasak Patimapragorn. He is the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
He told The Bangkok Post, “The exact location of the pyre will be known by 10 January.”
The Deputy Prime Minister also said to reporters, “Building is expected to be completed before September 2017, but it depends on the weather.”
The government also said that over 8,000 people are expected to be part of the cremation ceremony.
Following Buddhist tradition, daily funeral rites have been held for the late King of Thailand in Bangkok at the Grand Palace.
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will succeed his father as King of Thailand on 1 December after 50 days of mourning. His father was the longest reigning monarch in the world at the time of his death in mid-October. The late monarch celebrated his 70th year on the throne in June of this year.
A funeral pyre…we have this too in America, but they are called bonfires and are used to promote college football rivalry games.
How disrespectful!
If you can’t think of anything sensible to say…just keep quiet!!
Unfortunately this is a typical response from an ignorant American who doesn’t understand or respect the culture of a foreign country.
You lack a sense of humor. How petulant. The power of free speech is something that Thais will never understand and appreciate. I rest my case and stand by what I said earlier.
Free speech? OK, then YOU are a nasty egomaniac!
And you know what they say, it takes one to know one. Touche, hombre. You have a good day.
I have a very low opinion of the Thai government and the monarchy anyway. If you check my Twitter account, I have detailed what the government needs to work on. In fact, Thailand needs to become a democracy and clean out the ongoing corruption that has plagued this nation for centuries. For example, lese majeste is a violation of free speech and needs to be abolished.
Frankly, who cares what you think ? Unless you are Thai, or at the very least live here, your opinion is worthless. IMHO 😉
Do you live in Thailand? Even if you do, I rest my case. Thailand’s in trouble now that their king is dead. Democracy is now needed in that nation. A failing education system, a military junta running the joint and deciding for its people instead of an actual, proper government, a successor that is hated by his own people…my opinion of Thailand will remain dimmer than dim sum unless sweeping changes are made and democracy is established. Respect cannot be given. It must be earned.
Open your eyes Leejan. What I am saying is the truth. Truth hurts, but long live the truth for the truth will set you free.
Show some respect, most Thais genuinely loved and respected their King. This is really not a topic for childish humour ;(
Suggesting that I have ill will toward Bhumibol is petulant and unfounded. He was a good ruler that did all he could and is justifiably honored, but with the junta now running the show, Thailand is in trouble because its people are condoning corruption that has gone unchecked for decades. Change needs to be made. The country needs to become a democracy and remove corruption and lese majeste in order to progress and move forward.
King Bhumibol will live in our heart forever. He always be my beloved King.