HRH Princess Galyani Passes Away

[sbk]

Beautifully said geriatrickid.

[Jai Dee]

Citizens partook in water pouring ceremony for HRH Princess Galayani Vadhana

The Bureau of The Royal Household yesterday allowed citizens to partake in ceremonial water pouring as is a traditional ritual for the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Galayani Vadhana. A large number of citizens dressed in black attire attended the ceremony.

Such a large number of public members traveled to the Sahathai Samakom Pavilion (ศาลาสหทัยสมาคม) that many were not able to engage in the ritual with the Bureau of the Royal Household having to close off the pavilion to deal with the large gathering. The pavilion was reopened for the public to pay their respects to Her Royal Highness after members of the Royal Family vacated the premises.

The event was also attended by members of the government as well as the Office of the Prime Minister including Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Office of the Prime Minister warns against black shirts bearing Royal Insignia

Chief of the Office of the Prime Minister Chulayud Hirayansawat (จุลยุทธ หิรัณยะวสิต) revealed that the office has found vendors selling black shirts bearing the Royal Insignia. He stated that the shirts are not endorsed by official organizations and are considered extremely inappropriate.

The Office of the Prime Minister has set out to deal with the situation and has stated that citizens are not to buy or wear the shirts as it would be considered very scandalous. The shirts have been created by vendors allegedly mourning the nation’s recent loss but Mr. Chulayud stressed that the creation of the shirts is inappropriate.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Deputy Chief Justice affirms temporary Royal Funeral Pyre will be completed before rainy season

Deputy Chief Justice Thongtong Chantarangsu (ธงทอง จันทรางศุ) revealed that the construction of a temporary Royal Funeral pyre to be situated in Sanam Luang will be ready before the rainy season. Mr. Thongtong stated that the temporary Royal Funeral Pyre is already in the makings and will be slightly smaller than a previous pyre constructed for Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother to fit the stance of daughter for Her Royal Highness Princess Galayani Vadhana.

Mr. Thongtong also referred to ceremonies for the coming 100 days, adding that merit making will take place both during the day and night for the duration of 100 days at Sahathai Samakom (สหทัยสมาคม) Pavilion. Monks will also be called upon to pray in a three hour interval daily with alms being given to 8 monks in the morning and 8 monks in the evening, or 16 monks everyday. In addition, ritualistic effigy burnings will also be conducted as was the tradition begun during the reign of King Rama the 5th.

The Deputy Chief Justice affirmed that the temporary Royal Funeral Pyre would be completed within the dry season. He stated though, that construction on the pyre would be meticulous to fit the veneration of Her Royal Highness Princess Galayani Vadhana.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

People nationwide mourn the passing of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

Citizens across the nation yesterday took part in water pouring ceremonies symbolic of their reverence for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. Many local administrations led citizens in paying reverence to Her Royal Highness.

Administrations in all provinces such as Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Narathiwat organized water pouring ceremonies for their localities with droves of citizens attending all events. Many public members from rural areas have even begun to travel to Bangkok to visit the resting place of Her Royal Highness to pay their respects.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Bureau of the Royal Household sets itinerary for mourning

The Bureau of the Royal Household has revealed its itinerary for citizens to pay respects and reverence to Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

According to the bureau, Saha Thai Samakom (สหทัยสมาคม) Pavilion will be opened for citizens to view images of Her Royal Highness and pay their respects from January 3rd to 9th between 9 AM and 5 PM. The pavilion will also feature a visitor's book for citizens to sign names and well wishes.

The bureau says citizens will be able to pay their respects and show reverence to Her Royal Highness Princess at the Dusit Throne Hall from January 10th onward. The throne hall will be open to the public from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Culture Ministry distributing books to commemorate HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

People are traveling to the Sahathai Samakom (สหทัยสมาคม) Pavilion in the Grand Palace to pay respect before the image of the late Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

Prominent figures paying respect to the princess today include Commander of the 11th Military Circle Maj Gen Prasart Phasiri (ประสาท พาศิริ) and the secretary-general of the Office of The Royal Development Projects Board.

At the Sahathai Samakom Pavilion, the Ministry of Culture distributes 500,000 books to commemorate the princess to people visiting the pavilion to express regrets for her passing.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Cabinet approves Bt22 million to establish Galyani Vadhana Music Institute

The Cabinet yesterday approved budget of 22 million baht to establish the Galyani Vadhana Institute initiated by the late Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana to teach classical music to Thai children.

Minister of Culture Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon (ไขศรี ศรีอรุณ) adds that the Cabinet meeting has also set up a committee taking charge of the princess’s funeral. As for the construction of the royal funeral pyre, the minister says the Bureau of the Royal Household has yet instructed the ministry to build it. The Fine Arts Department will be responsible for the construction after the ministry receives approval from the Bureau of the Royal Household, Khunying Khaisri says.

The Ministry of Industry has donated a plot of land near the Rama VIII Bridge for the construction of the Galyani Vadhana Music Institute.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2008

[CooperNZ]

I woul like to pay my respects at the funeral. Anyone have any details?

[seonai]

See post 37 above

[Badbanker]

On behalf of my family, I wish express our Sincere Condolences to His Majesty The King and all people, on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, such an exceptional person.

Badbanker

Edited January 3, 2008 by Badbanker

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Sincere Condolences to their Majesties, the Royal Family and the Thai People.

[Jai Dee]

First day of signatures in reverence for HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana tallies to 13 thousand

The Bureau of the Royal Household disclosed that on the first day of allowing citizens to sign their names in commemoration of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, a very large amount of citizens turned out to give their wishes to Her Royal Highness. The official first day tally showed 13,027 people signed their names in reverence of Her Royal Highness.

Of the 13 thousand people, 173 were VIP’s and monetary donations totaled 109,370 baht. 58 wreaths were also delivered to the bureau.

The bureau noted that even after Sahathai Samakom (สหทัยสมาคม) Pavilion was closed for ceremonies, many citizens remained to pray and mourn. Many other citizens also waited to receive members of the Royal Family partaking in the days rituals.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Citizens purchasing pictures and portraits of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

Citizens across the nation have shown great interest in the purchasing of pictures and portraits of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. Many vendors and shops have assembled rare photos of Her Royal Highness in various postures.

Many citizens commented that they were purchasing the portraits to be placed in their homes so that they could pay tribute to Her Royal Highness daily, while others purchased smaller framed photos to be held during ceremonies and commemorations.

Shops in Kalasin province and Chiang Mai have already reported being completely sold out of photos and other commemorative items for Her Royal Highness. Many rare photos have also begun to surface from collections of citizens in the country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

City and Provincial Halls set up portraits and signature books in honor of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

City and Provincial halls across the nation have setup portraits of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana in commemoration of her passing and for citizens to pay their respects. Each of the portraits also contains a signature book for citizens conducting business at each government venue to be able to express their reverence for Her Royal Highness.

In addition to city and provincial halls, many other government institutions have also done the same, as well as private establishments and organizations. Flags across the nation are also being flown at half mast and all government employees have taken to dressing in black attire to mark the solemn occasion.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Ministry of Culture to establish Classical Musical Conservatory in honor of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

The Ministry of Culture has revealed plans to construct a classical music conservatory in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana’s appreciation of classic western music.

The ministry stated that Her Royal Highness reiterated many times throughout her life that she wished Thai youths would have better access to classical music and more support for the development of musicianship. Her Royal Highness gave her royal patronage to the Thai Youth Orchestra, which aids underprivileged children in expanding their musical talents as well as the Fund for Classical Music Promotion.

The conservatory has been in the makings since 2006 when Her Royal Highness expressed her wishes to the Ministry of Culture and it was recently approved by the Cabinet. A plot of land situated near Rama VIII bridge which oversees the Chao Phraya river has been chosen to be the location of the building.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Minoh Salae, an 80-year-old resident of Pattani who cannot read or write Thai, has her fingerprint stamped on a condolence book at Prince of Songkla University’s Pattani campus yesterday. The Muslim woman was one of the thousands mourning the demise of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.

Officials at the Central Mosque of Pattani fly flags at half-mast to pay tribute to HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.

Photographs by The Nation - 04 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Public Health Ministry to publish books to commemorate HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

The Ministry of Public Health will publish books to commemorate the late Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

The books will come in two versions. The first version covers her royal obligations and projects with beautiful illustrations. 100,000 copies of the book will be distributed to people attending HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana’s funeral at the Grand Palace.

The second version covers the princess’s biography and important projects on public health. 3,000 copies of the book will be published in both Thai and English and they will be distributed to government places and all Thai embassies abroad.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 January 2008

[brewsterbudgen]

Very sad. I offer my condolences. I understand that she had a daughter from her first marriage (Thanpuying Dasna Valaya Ratanakul Serireungriddhi) born in 1945 in Switzerland, but there doesn't seem to be any mention of her in the obituaries, or of her second marriage. Is there a reason for this?

[Onnutrd]

All condolences to the Royal Family, Thai and Farangs who mourn the recent passing of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.

[Jai Dee]

His Majesty the King allows people to conduct funeral rites for HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

His Majesty the King has declared that once the royal funeral ceremonies end on the 7th day following the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, state agencies and members of the aristocracy will be allowed to conduct funeral rites in reverence for Her Royal Highness.

The funeral rites will be allowed on every Wednesday and will take place until the ending of traditional 100 days of mourning and the crematory ceremony. Members of the Royal Family, government organizations and members of the aristocracy will be allowed to host the rites ceremonies.

Citizens will be allowed to conduct daily rites services on a daily basis after April 12. Public members will also be allowed to pay respect to Her Royal Highness at Dusit Throne Hall from January 10th onward.

Interested citizens may contact the Bureau of the Royal Household at 02-224-3273 and 02-224-3333.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Tally of signatures in reverence of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana exceeds 70 thousand

Crowds of citizens continued to travel to Sahathai Samakom Pavilion to pay their respects to Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana and engage in mourning as well as signing a book presented by the Bureau of the Royal Household. The bureau revealed that yesterday alone 25,706 people traveled to the pavilion and signed their names.

The complete four day tally has brought the amount of signatures to 71,382. A four day count of donations to royal projects also showed 1,161,360 baht given.

The Bureau of the Royal Household has reiterated that citizens must dress appropriately in black or white attire with boy scouts and other uniformed citizens needing to wear their uniforms properly.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 January 2008

[DirkGently]

Very sad. Another color coded day.

I trust that the Thai people will be able to cope during this time of personal loss.

R.I.P

[Jai Dee]

Culture Ministry preparing chariots for HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

Minister of Culture Khunying Khaisri Sri-arun (ไขศรี ศรีอรุณ) met with members of the Ministry of Cultures Department of Fine Arts to discuss and plan the preparation of three ceremonial chariots that will be used in the funeral procession of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana to a specially constructed funeral pyre at Sanam Luang. The Fine Arts department has been tasked with readying the three chariots for the ceremony, including cleaning and restoring the vehicles which have been used in such ceremonies throughout the decades.

The three chariots Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot (พระมหาพิชัยราชรถ), Wechayan Ratcharot (เวชยันตรราชรถ) and Ratcharot Noi (ราชรถน้อย) are currently being kept at the National Museum. The Fine Arts department also must ready a casket to be used in the ceremony.

Khunying Khaisri will report the Fine Arts department’s progress to the Office of the Prime Minister which will then inform His Majesty the King.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 January 2008

[thaigene2]

Very sad. Another color coded day.

I trust that the Thai people will be able to cope during this time of personal loss.

R.I.P

Went to Emporium earlier this morning. All the display dummy's were dressed in black. Seemed a bit commercially crass to me, but anyway.. I guess it's meeting market demand.

[Jai Dee]

Preparations on for Royal funeral

Ministry, Fine Arts Department readying chariots for Princess's Sanam Luang service

The Culture Ministry is preparing three chariots for the royal funeral of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

The Fine Arts Department has also assigned Group Captain Ek-avudh Ngernchuklin to lead a team of veteran chiefs of the department to build a cremation pyre in Sanam Luang.

Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon and senior officials yesterday inspected three chariots named Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot, Wechayan Ratcharot and Ratcharot Noi.

They also inspected a three-layer carved wooden casket called Yarnmart, which will transport the Princess to the pyre.

The ceremony will be in accordance with royal traditions observed since the reign of King Rama I.

Khaisri said she would consult with Fine Arts Department experts on what parts of the chariots need repair and cleaning, before forwarding a report to the funeral organising committee led by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

As the committee meets this week, the ministry needs to assess the readiness of the respective areas under its charge, in order that His Majesty the King may be informed about the proceedings.

Fine Arts Department director-general Kriengkrai Sampatchalit, in his capacity as a member of the funeral organising committee, said his office had completed an initial inspection of the chariots and would contact the Army to make a final inspection of all the parts, including the wheels, axles and frames.

As for decorative cloths, the department will assign Krom Chang Sip Mu (the organisation of the 10 crafts) to carry out the overall inspection and assessment, Kriengkrai said.

HM the King will have the final say on the choice of chariots to be used, he said.

The department has also assigned a team to build the royal cremation pyre, led by Group Captain Ek-avudh. It comprises former department chiefs and experts from Krom Chang Sip Mu.

Kriengkrai affirmed the department had all the information, be it about the chariots or a record of royal tradition, all of which will later be presented to General Surayud.

Currently there are seven Ratcharot chariots being kept and displayed at the National Museum.

The Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot - 1,120 centimetres tall and 1,530 centimetres long - was built in 1795 during the reign of King Rama I (1782-1809) to be used for a king's funeral.

It carried the urn of Somdet Phra Pathom Borom Maha Chanok to the royal crematorium (Phra Merumas) at Sanam Luang in 1796.

It was also used in the funerals of King Rama I, King Rama III, King Rama IV and King Rama V.

On March 10, 1996, the Fine Arts Department and the Royal Thai Army's Ordnance Department restored the Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot for the royal cremation of HRH Princess Sri Nagarindra the Princess Mother at Sanam Luang.

The Wechayan Ratcharot, standing 1,170 centimetres tall and 1,750 centimetres long, was built in 1799 for the funerals of high-ranking Royal Family members.

The Fine Arts Department restored it for the funeral of Queen Rampaipannee in 1985.

It weighed 40 tonnes and required 206 men - 160 in the front and 46 at the back - to draw it.

There are three Ratcharot Noi chariots, built during Rama I's reign.

They were used for a Supreme Patriarch and linked to a chariot for Royal Family members to sit and sprinkle rice and petals.

The Ratcharot Noi chariots were built in the same pattern as the Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot and the Wechayan Ratcharot chariots, except they were smaller and had only one decorative "naga head".

Source: The Nation - 07 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Exhibition in honor of HRH Princess Galyani being held at BKK City Hall

The Bangkok Governor, Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน), would like to invite the general public to visit the exhibition in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana from January 7th to April 11th this year.

Mr. Apirak says the exhibition is divided into four booths, and they will display Her Royal Highness’ royal initiatives, duties, projects and biography. He says the event will be opened from 9 AM, and the visitors can sign their names on books to pay respect to Her Royal Highness at all district offices, schools, hospitals and public health centers across the capital.

Mr. Apirak is also inviting people to make merit and give food-offerings to Buddhist monks at the Bangkok City Hall and other district offices of Bangkok on January 9th at 6:30 AM.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Thousands of students and teachers paying respect to HRH Princess Galyani

Teachers and students from different universities and schools in Phuket province are pouring into the Phuket Provincial Hall to sign their names on books to mourn and pay respect to Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

The Director of Phuket Technology School, Ms. Sonthaya Dararat (สันธยา ดารารัตน์), says more than 1,000 personnel and students from her school are showing their respect and expressing their grief over the passing of Her Royal Highness by signing the books at the Phuket Provincial Hall.

The signing ceremony at the Phuket Provincial Hall will be opened until January 16th this year.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Yala people following news on funeral rites of HRH Princess Galyani

People in the southernmost province of Yala continue to wear black and are closely following the news on the funeral rites of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

The general atmosphere in Yala province is filled with sorrow as government officials and public members are wearing black as a way to mourn the beloved Princess. Moreover, many people in Yala are purchasing biographical books and royal images of Her Royal Highness.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Thailand Post to issue stamps with portrait of late Princess

Thailand Post will ask permission from His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej to issue commemorative stamps showing the pictures off Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

According to Thailand Post, the stamps are scheduled to be launched before the ceremony of lighting the funeral pyre begins. At present, Thailand Post at Samsen Nai office welcomes visitors to witness very old and rare stamps and the most stamp set in visitor’s interest is the set showing Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana’ celebration on occasion of her 80th Birthday and 84th Birthday.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 January 2008