Thailand sets October date for late king's cremation, fixing time frame for coronation of successor son
A huge cremation complex is being constructed on a parade ground specially reserved for royal funerals outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok
The cremation of Thailand’s late king Bhumibol Adulyadej will take place on October 26, just over a year after his death plunged the country into deep mourning, the junta announced Tuesday.
Government spokesman Lieutenant General Sansern Kaewkumnerd said five days of funerary rites would begin on October 25, with the cremation on the second evening.
A public holiday will be declared that day.
Cremations for senior Thai royals are huge and costly affairs but few subjects alive today will ever have witnessed one.
At the time of his death on October 13 last year Bhumibol, 88, was the world’s longest-reigning monarch.
His rule spanned seven tumultuous decades that witnessed significant economic growth but saw democratic aspirations wilt under the weight of multiple palace-endorsed coups.