Thailand is all set for the funeral ceremony to bid final goodbye to its late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on October 26. His Majesty passed away on October 13, last year at the age of 88.
Artisans have worked for 10 months to build the royal crematorium and develop the site for the ceremony. The structure was designed specifically for the rites for a King, based on ancient royal traditions. It was decorated with ornaments of various gods and goddesses, representing a vision of heaven in Brahmin-Buddhist traditions of Thailand’s royal court.
In designing the royal crematorium, the designers adopted a layout plan resembling the universe based on Thai philosophy and beliefs and to symbolise the royal duties of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the royal projects.
The grand ceremonial procession for the late King will be made up of six processions. The officials took part in partial and full rehearsals to ensure that the funeral procession for the late King proceeds in a manner conjuring an image of him ascending to heaven. Royal chariots, vehicles, and other items reflecting his revered status and rank have been renovated and repaired for the task of moving and carrying the royal remains, relics and ashes.
The late Thai King was, at the time of his death, the world’s longest-serving head of state, the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history and the longest serving monarch in the world.
So far, about 12 million people have paid their respects to the late king, at the Grand Palace where he has been lying-in-state.
