I sat with my wife all day Thursday watching the Royal Cremation ceremony on television.

 

A hugely sombre occasion of course, but I thought the pomp and splendour of the procession was beautifully choregraphed and an amazing spectacle.

 

One thing puzzled me during the entire procession.

 

The focal point of the whole ceremony was the magnificent golden Royal Urn, and it wasn't very big.

 

I was expecting to see a coffin. Didn't see one all day.

 

Turns out, there is an ancient tradition called Luk Phra Sop, which means "theft of the royal body". The late King's body and coffin were actually transferred from Grand Palace to Sanam Luang Cremation site at 8pm on Wednesday evening.

 

Luk Phra Sop is done in secrecy on the evening prior to cremation, to ensure that there are no unforeseen problems occurring during the very big official public procession.

 

The beautiful golden Royal Urn that we all saw atop the funeral carriages, was in fact empty, except for a gold plaque with the King's name inscribed.

 

 

I had to check this story out and it seems that it is 100% real.

 

Coverage here http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2017/10/26/mourners-witness-royal-body-theft-ritual/

 

Like most of our Royal Cremation threads this one is locked.