HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, was the longest serving monarch of Thailand, who selflessly served his people for 70 years. His passing in 2016, has united the country in grief. He was for many of us living in Thailand, the only King we had ever known. Fondly called ‘Father’ he was the spiritual and physical head of a family of 71 million people. Many thought of him as a living god.
The Kingdom will begin the five-day royal cremation ceremony next month.
The country’s military government has budgeted THB 3 billion (US $91 million) for the funeral.
Huge crowds are expected near a vast crematorium being constructed at Sanam Luang, a park in the heart of Bangkok close to the Grand Palace. The cremation itself is scheduled for the 26th October, 2017 when according to Buddhist beliefs the deceased monarch will ascend to heaven.
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej was revered throughout his kingdom, a kingdom he rarely left. He explored every part of Thailand. He was often seen in the rice paddies and jungles. Always taking notes and often seen with a map and a camera around his neck. He wanted to visit every inch of his country.
The King was an expert on water management systems; an inventor, a musician, a devote Buddhist, an intellectual, visionary, diplomat, elder statesman, entrepreneur and a peacekeeper.
People bowed and prostated themselves before him and always proffered a deep wai (the Thai greeting with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion) not just as a sign of respect but out of a deep sense of love and devotion. His picture graced almost every home and every building in Thailand. Never had a King been so respected.
His passing at 88 years old (born 5th Dec 1927) was a deeply sad period in our history. The country shunned bright clothes; buildings and public places were adorned in black and white, the mood was somber and calm. Black ribbons and armbands are still a common sight.
Mourners queue outside the Royal Palace waiting to pay their final respects
Thousands have queued daily since his death, to pay homage and make their final respects to their King. Many standing for hours in stifling heat or seasonal rains to shuffle past the King’s remains – silent, respectful and for many…emotional.
Not surprising the country’s largest-ever Royal Cremation platform has been built. And as is tradition golden chariots have been repaired and adorned. Ready to carry the beloved King on his final journey.
Hundreds of master craftsmen have toiled for thousands of man-hours, crafting exquisite pieces in wood from timber especially chosen for the occasion. Thailand is preparing a grandiose final farewell to its beloved late King in a way not experienced by most living Thais.
As per tradition, wood from the rare and fragrant Mai Chan Hom tree, a Kalamat (similar to sandalwood) from the Buri National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan, will be used in the funeral of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The royal tree which was selected to be used in the royal funeral is already dead, one of 12 lifeless yet standing Mai Chan Hom trees. The use of the fragrant and auspicious tree is a custom that can be traced back to the Ayutthaya period.
Trees from the park were used in the funeral of the late Princess Mother in 1996 and for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana in 2008.
The tress are protected. Anyone can plant them but special permission from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is required before they can be felled.
The Royal Crematorium, Phra Merumat, where Buddhists believe the Late King will ascend to heaven, has been built on the grounds of Sanam Luang, a vast green park to the north of the Grand Palace.
A spiritual as well as historical landmark of the city, Sanam Luang has been used as the funeral ground of kings, queens, princes and princesses since the beginning of the present Chakri dynasty of the Rattanakosin era (1782). The last time Bangkok saw a royal funeral pyre was at the cremation of Her Royal Highness Princess Bejraratana Rajasuda in April 2012.
But the royal cremation of His Majesty the King will be a majestic farewell, unprecedented in scale and historical gravity. The last time a Thai king was cremated was 66 years ago, when King Ananda Mahidol was cremated in March 1950 at Sanam Luang.
The exquisite funerary urn made from fragrant Mai Chan Hom wood
After the royal cremation, the royal urn is expected to be kept for an exhibition in the National Museum Bangkok like the previous royal urns of the late Princess Mother and Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. Although nearly a year has passed since the revered monarch’s death, his presence is still strongly felt. The grand cremation ceremony will take place during October 25-29 and will draw thousands of Thais to the Thai capital. They will come from the length and breadth of the kingdom. Hotels in Bangkok are expected to be particular busy. The crematorium complex measures 31,000 sqm. At it’s center is the golden crematorium. The square structure measures 60m by 60m and is 50m high, surrounded by water in recognition of the King’s work with the country’s water management systems.
On the 26th October a coffin carrying King Bhumibol’s body, will be brought here and elevated to the top platform of the crematorium to be incinerated in an electric oven.
Able to accommodate up to 7,000 people, including members of the royal family, government officials and foreign guests, the complex will be majestic and regal. The magnificent Grand Palace will be its backdrop. The general public will not be allowed inside during the funeral but will be able to visit after the rites.
