HRH Princess Galyani Passes Away

[Jai Dee]

Bureau of the Royal Household announces ceremonies to conclude initial 7 days of mourning

The Bureau of the Royal Household has announced the commencement of ceremonies to conclude the initial 7 days of mourning for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. The initial 7 days since Her Royal Highness’ passing will end on Wednesday January 9th.

The ceremony will take place at the Dusit Throne Hall with Their Majesties the King and Queen traveling to the throne hall at 5 PM. His Majesty the King will light candles and incense at the Nopadolmahasaewathachat (นพปดลมหาเศวตฉัตร) altar. 30 monks will pray during the lighting of the candles after which a His Majesty will make alms. Four monks will speak and pray to end the ceremony and Their Majesties the King and Queen will depart from the throne hall.

All attending citizens are asked to dress properly in either black or white, all members of the military and government organizations are required to wear their uniforms.

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

[Jai Dee]

Culture Ministry to propose design for royal funeral pyre

The Ministry of Culture’s Department of Fine Arts has revealed that it has completed an initial draft of the design for a royal funeral pyre. The royal funeral pyre is to be constructed at Sanam Luang and will be used in the crematory ceremony of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

The department will submit its design to the Office of the Prime Minister which is overlooking all facets of Her Royal Highness’ funeral ceremonies. If the office approves the design it will present it to His Majesty the King for final approval.

The Department of Fine Arts has also been entrusted with the preparation of royal chariots and the casket to be used in the funeral procession.

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

[Jai Dee]

Queen Elizabeth II sends letter to HM the King expressing condolences on the passing of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

British Ambassador to Thailand His Excellency Quinton Mark Quayle traveled to sign his name in reverence to Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

After signing his name at the Sahathai Samakom Pavilion’s signature book, His Excellency Mr. Quayle revealed that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has submitted a letter to His Majesty the King expressing her condolences on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

In the letter Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II stated that she was deeply saddened upon receiving news of the passing of Her Royal Highness and that her passing was a great loss to the people of Thailand. His Excellency Mr. Quayle personally submitted the letter to His Majesty the King yesterday.

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

[Jai Dee]

Signatures on 6th day of mourning for HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana exceed 22 thousand

The Bureau of the Royal Household disclosed that on the sixth day of allowing citizens to sign their names in commemoration of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, large crowds of citizens are still traveling to pay respect at the Sahathai Samakom Pavilion. The official day tally showed 22,948 people signed their names in reverence of Her Royal Highness. The six day total was counted at 118,235 signatures.

Donations to the bureau for the past 3 days have yielded 2,301,194.50 baht. 105 wreaths were also presented to the pavilion on the sixth day.

The Bureau of the Royal Household reveals that today (January 9) will be the final day for citizens to sign signatures and pay their respects at the Sahathai Samakom Pavilion. From January 10th onward citizens may pay their respects to Her Royal Highness at the Dusit Throne hall.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Prime Minister forms committee to organize crematory ceremony for HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior General Surayud Chulanont revealed after presiding over a meeting of a newly established committee to organize the crematory ceremony for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana at the Santi Maitree (ตึกสันติไมตรี) building that 5 commissioners have been chosen to head the ceremony organization and also the construction of royal funeral pyre. The Prime Minister stated that the first and most pressing matters of the committee are the construction of the royal funeral pyre as well as the preparation of the royal chariots.

The committee also resolved that organizations under Her Royal Highness’ patronage will also be allowed to take part in the establishment of the ceremonies and also be able to donate funding.

The Ministry of Culture’s Department of Fine Arts also revealed that its design for the royal funeral pyre has been revised and approved by His Majesty the King. The organizational committee has approved an initial budget of 300 million baht for the construction of the pyre.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Ubon Ratchathani people expressed gratitude for work and support of late Princess

The general atmosphere in the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani is still gloomy as people from all walks of life continue to mourn over the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

Today (January 9th), public members in Ubon Ratchathani continue to wear black, and many of them are pouring into the provincial city hall to sign their names on condolence books. However, the people of Ubon Ratchathani have expressed their gratitude for Her Royal Highness' work and support for the Thai people.

They say the beloved Princess carried on her duties by aiding underprivileged people in many different areas even when she was old.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

HM the King to partake in ceremony to end 7 days of mourning at Sahathai Samakom Pavilion

The Bureau of the Royal Household revealed that His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit will engage in a ceremony today (January 9th) to end the seven days of mourning at the Sahathai Samakom Pavilion.

The ceremony will take place at the Dusit Throne Hall with Their Majesties the King and Queen traveling to the throne hall at 5 PM today. His Majesty the King will light candles and incense at the Nopadolmahasaewathachat (นพปดลมหาเศวตฉัตร) altar. 30 monks will pray during the lighting of the candles after which His Majesty will make alms to the monks. Four monks will preach after the candle and lighting and pray to end the ceremony. Their Majesties will then depart from the throne hall.

A second similar ceremony will take place tomorrow morning (January 10) to begin mourning at the Dusit Throne Hall. Citizens will be allowed to pay their respects at the throne hall from tomorrow onwards.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Department of Fine Art gives details of Royal Funeral Pyre

The Ministry of Culture’s Department of Fine Arts has disclosed its final decision concerning the design for the royal funeral pyre to be used in the crematory ceremony of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

The pyre will be of a traditional Thai style with a design commonly seen in traditional palaces and castles. A main aspect of the pyre will be that it has 7 levels of Sawettachattra which are symbolic of royal umbrellas used to protect members of the royal family. The 7 levels were were selected by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and approved by His Majesty the King as a special honor to Her Royal Highness as traditionally there would only be 5 levels. The structure, which in past times would be constructed with wood, will be made of a metal frame and covered in wooden paneling as to ensure stronger construction.

The pyre’s designer Naval Captain Arvud Ngunchooklin (อาวุธ เงินชูกลิ่น) who is also the head of the Department of Fine Arts and a national artist estimated that the structure would be completed within 7 months. Naval Captain Arvud stated that though the project may be impeded by the rainy season, a sizeable budget should help to insure that it is finished in an expedient fashion.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 January 2008

[A_Traveller]

His Majesty the King on Wednesday bestowed the highest honour to Princess Galyani Vadhana, his elder sister, with a seven-tier white umbrella for her funeral rites, by Royal Command. ...

The seven-tier white umbrella will now be raised over the royal urn instead of the five-tier umbrella.

The Royal Command said HM the King considered Princess Galyani Vadhana as his honourable sister as they had been very close and she always favoured him when they were young.

The late princess also devoted herself tirelessly to help Thai citizens in various aspects through a variety of foundations and institutions.

The public also realised her dedication and her death brings sadness and lament to people from all walks of life.

HM the King said HRH the Princess should be bestowed the realm's highest honour, therefore, he ordered the officials to raise a seven-tier white umbrella over the Royal Urn to give the highest honour to her. (TNA) {Reported on Bangkok Post website}

A singular and most deserved honour, in my view.

Edited January 9, 2008 by A_Traveller

[Jai Dee]

Mourning period to be extended to 100 days

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior General Surayud Chulanont acting as the head of the committee organizing the funeral procession for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana disclosed that the official mourning period for Her Royal Highness is to be extended from the 15 days to the entirety of 100 days. The Office of the Prime Minister has agreed to the proposal and the matter has been forwarded for Cabinet approval.

The extended period will entail citizens being encouraged to wear black and white, especially in places of work and in schools. Entertainment venues will be requested to observe a solemn tone and all major celebrations and festivals will be asked to reschedule or minimize to a more respectful scale.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

People in Ubon Ratchathani mourn the loss of late Princess

Masses of people in Ubon Ratchathani province continue to mourn the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana by wearing black and signing on condolence books in many state offices.

At the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial City Hall today (January 16th), condolence books and the image of the beloved Princess have been set up for civil servants and public members and express their grief. People in Ubon Ratchathani continue to pour into the provincial city hall to sign the condolence books throughout the day.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Students and Faculty across the nation devote Teachers day to HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

Schools celebrating Teacher’s day across the nation have chosen to devote their ceremonies to the memory of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. Her Royal Highness was an avid teacher and assumed faculty positions in high ranking institutions throughout the nation and also lectured on many academic subjects. Her Royal Highness was a firm believer in education and devoted much of her time to establishing projects to endorse education in the nation.

Deputy Governor of Bangkok Phutiphong Boonagun (พุทธิพงษ์ ปุณณกันต์) today led teachers and students of Bangkok schools to make merit and give alms to 81 monks at the Thai-Japanese Youth Center of Din Daeng. The ceremony was devoted to Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration putting on a photo exhibition of Her Royal Highness at the center.

In Satul Province teachers wore black and gave alms to monks. Teachers in Yala and other Southern provinces took part in similar ceremonies, paying reverence to Her Royal Highness as well as giving speeches to urge students to contribute to the eradication of unrest through education.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Teachers Day marks end to initial 15 days of mourning

Today (January 16th) marks the end of the initial 15 days set by the government for mourning in reverence to Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. The initial 15 days were previously set by the government for all public organizations to operate in reverence to Her Royal Highness.

Many private organizations and political parties also used the 15 day mourning period principle to alter their actions to give respect to Her Royal Highness. Many political parties, such as the Democrat Party refrained from engaging in major political activity while entertainment venues also desisted from organizing events that would impede on the mourning of citizens.

The end of the 15 day period is also marked by the National Teacher’s Day, which coincidentally is fitting as Her Royal Highness was a patron of education and spent many years as a teacher of French.

The Office of the Prime Minister has announced though, that the mourning period will be extended beyond the 15 days to the traditional period of 100 days. Mourning will continue in the nation until the Crematory ceremony of Her Royal Highness on April 11th.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Sanam Luang to be closed for transfer of Royal Chariots and Funeral Pyre on February 1st

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Spokesman Tanom Onkatepol (ถนอม อ่อนเกตุพล) revealed that the BMA has received a letter from the Ministry of Culture’s Department of Fine Arts concerning the use of Sanam Luang to transport and assemble the Royal Chariots and Funeral Pyre to be used in the Royal Funeral Procession of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

Director of the Department of Fine Arts Kriangkrai Sampachalit (เกรียงไกร สัมปัชชลิต) submitted the letter to the BMA requesting the use of Sanam Luang on February 1st onward until the completion of the tasks. The main ceremonial section of the park will be closed off from the public but surrounding areas normally used for food vendors and parking will still be open.

Events and festivals will be deterred from taking place at Sanam Luang during the project. The department stated that it would allow the BMA to rule whether certain events could achieve special permission to take place.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 January 2008

[Joseph87]

I hope pra pee nang will be reborn into a better life

[Jai Dee]

Sandal Wood tree extracted to create Royal Urn

Assistant Secretary-General of the Bureau of the Royal household Sanchai Tiemtaveesin (สรรชัย เทียมทวีสิน) along with other related officials traveled to the Kuiburi (กุยบุรี) National Park to perform a ceremony to extract wood for the creation of the Royal Urn that will house the ashes of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

The ceremony preceded the felling of three Sandal Wood trees and involved the lighting of incense and candles and the chanting of prayers. Prachuap Khiri Khan Province Chief Chatchai Pinnguen (ฉัตรชัย ปิ่นเงิน) assumed the role of royal household Brahman and conducted prayers to appease the tree spirits.

The trees though will be taken from the park at a later date by the department of national parks and wildlife. Prachuap Khiri Khan officials will plant three sandal wood trees in their places.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Citizens donate blood in honor of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

District Official of Huay Pueng Kalasin Province Veera Kumlah (วีระ คำหล้า) led residents of the district in donating blood to offer as reverence to the recent passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. Over 200 citizens in the district participated in the event.

Governor of the Kalasin province Red Cross Society Sujitra Jitsuthi (สุจิตรา จิตสุทธิ) stated that the event was the first in a planned drive through the entire province to allow citizens to donate blood as merit making for Her Royal Highness.

Donations from the 200 citizens at the drive amounted in 60 thousand CC’s of blood that will be put to use at the Kalasin hospital.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

BMA to produce CDs in reverence of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana to be distributed instead of books

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Governor Apirak Kosayothin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) stated that the BMA will be producing CD’s containing the content of the “Set in the Heart” (สถิต ณ ดวงใจ) book to be distributed to citizens. The BMA previously printed 100 thousand copies of the book to be given to citizens in reverence to Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

The books were being handed to citizens after signing their names in honor of Her Royal Highness at the capital’s city hall with 100 thousand prepared. The BMA states though that after 2 weeks 77,600 citizens have already traveled to sign their names and 63,576 books have already been handed out.

The administration is preparing to produce CDs with similar content to the books for easier production and distribution to insure that all citizens paying their respects to Her Royal Highness may receive the gift. The CDs will be handed out for the entirety of the 100 days of mourning.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Mourning for late Princess continues

Streams of people are visiting the Dusit Mahaprasart Throne inside the Grand Palace to mourn the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

Since morning today (February 5th), many people from all parts of the country are pouring into Bangkok, waiting to pay respect to the late Princess at the Grand Palace. The atmosphere at the palace is still gloomy despite the crowded condition.

This morning, 150 officials from the Ministry of Defence together with students from various schools and members of the public traveled to the Dusit Mahaprasart Throne to commemorate their beloved Princess. As usual, more people are expected to visit the palace throughout the day.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2008

[Jai Dee]

Royal Chariots to undergo ceremony

Authorities this morning prepared the area in front of the National Museum’s Royal Chariot garage with tents and ceremonial tables for a blessing rite of the three Royal Chariots to be used in the funeral procession of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. The three chariots, Mahapichai Ratcharot (มหาพิชัยราชรถ), Pra Vachandra Ratcharot (พระเวชยันตราชรถ) and Ratcharot Noi (ราชรถน้อย), are to undergo a blessing ceremony during the sacred hour in which the sun is centered in the sky.

The ceremony will be conducted to appease angels and spirits entrusted to protect kings and members of the royal family so that they watch over the use of the Royal Chariots.

Museum authorities closely watched over the ceremonial area throughout the morning.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2008

[Jai Dee]

Royal Chariots in good condition

Quartermaster of the Army’s Armament Corps Lieutenant General Kumnuan Tianpramook (คำนวณ เธียรประมุข) stated that the Royal Chariots to be used in the funeral procession of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana are in good condition, and need only minor maintenance. He said that the chariots had been used twice recently, once for the funeral procession of Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother.

Lieutenant General Kumnuan said that the funeral procession of Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother also allowed him to have hands on experience with using and preparing the three royal chariots. Authorities of the Armament Corps inspected the three chariots and said that they only needed minor under carriage maintenance. Ratcharot Noi though, the smallest of the three chariots requires upkeep to its decorations.

The inspection of the Armament Corps will be taken into consideration to create a skilled team of artisans and repairers to service the chariots.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 February 2008

[Jai Dee]

Update:

Royal Funeral Pyre nears completion

Chairman of the design and construction committee for the Royal Funeral Pyre of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, Captain Arvut Ngunchuklin (อาวุธ เงินชูกลิ่น) revealed that construction of the funeral pyre and its general structure are nearing completion. He stated that some of the decorative aspects of the construction have already begun but special care has had to be given against constant rain fall.

The construction committee head said that over 50 percent of decorations have been finished with 75 percent of the decorations to religious podiums completed. 20 statues of angels both sitting and standing have been completed and are receiving final decorations with two main statues expected to be ready for installation by August.

The committee also revealed that the Royal Chariots to be used in the Royal Funeral Procession have all been adequately up kept and are only awaiting minor details to be reinstalled.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 July 2008

[Scott]

Is there an approximate date as to when the funeral is planned?

[meom]

Can't find the link but believe funeral rites are planned from 14-19 November.

[photojourn]

There are details on the royal cremation ceremony here: Royal cremation of “Princess Mother” in November

And a more detailed article with additional photo's here: Royal cremation set for six days in November