Royal cremation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is set on October 26

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Royal cremation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is set on October 26

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet today acknowledged the holding of the 5-day royal funeral ceremonies of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej from October 25-29 this year.

 

Government spokesman Lt-Gen Sansern Keawkamnerd said the cabinet also approved the announcement of October 26 as a public holiday so as to allow the people to attend  the royal cremation of the late King.

 

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/royal-cremation-late-king-bhumibol-adulyadej-set-october-26/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2017-04-25

Edited April 25, 2017 by ubonjoe
corrected link

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Cabinet accepts plan to declare holiday on late King’s cremation day

 

BANGKOK, 25 April 2017 (NNT) – The Cabinet has acknowledged a plan to make October 26 a national holiday in order to allow the people to take part in the royal cremation ceremony for His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 

According to Assistant Government Spokesperson Col Athisit Chainuwat, the Cabinet has agreed to announce a public holiday on October 26, 2017, when the body of King Rama IX will be cremated. The move is to enable mourners across the country to participate in the royal function as proposed by the responsible committee. 

The royal cremation ceremony for the beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej is scheduled to last five days, from October 25-29. 

In his capacity as chairman of the committee in charge of organizing the ceremony, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has submitted a letter to the Office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary about the selection of King Bhumibol’s portraits to decorate sandalwood flower offering booths as well as the holding of an exhibition in honor of the late monarch throughout November. According to the Office, the matters have been granted royal approval by King Rama X.

 

-- nnt 2017-04-25

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Royal cremation ceremonies to be held Oct 25-29
By THE NATION

 

 

BANGKOK: -- THE Royal cremation ceremonies for HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) will be held between October 25 and 29.

 

October 26, the day of his |cremation, will also be a national holiday to allow members of the public to take part in the important event. 

 

King Rama IX passed away on October 13 last year, plunging Thailand into deep mourning. A large number of Thais continue to wear black and white today to grieve over his death. 

 

Throughout his seven-decade reign, King Rama IX worked tirelessly to improve the well-being of his people. In return, he won much love and reverence from his subjects. 

 

Assistant Government Spokesman Colonel Atisit Chaiyanuwat announced yesterday that HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn (King Rama X) |had approved the schedule. 

 

Atisit said Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam had proposed three options on how to facilitate people’s desire to join the royal cremation ceremonies. 

 

The first is to declare October 25 and October 27 as national holidays too, so that people from the provinces can travel to Bangkok for the ceremonies and then travel back in time to work again. 

 

The second is for October 25 and October 27 to be holidays for people living outside Bangkok and its adjacent provinces.

 

The third is to not declare any additional holiday and let people decide themselves how they can attend. 

 

Last Friday, King Rama X also approved the Office of the Prime Minister’s decision to declare his birthday, July 28, and the day of his father’s passing, October |13, as important days in Thailand. 

 

King Rama X ordered that royal ceremonies be held in remembrance of his father on October 13 every year, the same way royal ceremonies are held in commemoration of his great grandfather, King Rama V. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30313353

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-04-26

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Royal crematorium structure progresses by over 90%

 

 

BANGKOK, 1 May 2017 (NNT) – Fine Arts Department has installed over 90 percent of the royal crematorium's structure and has started to assemble the patterns of the sandal wood urn’s base. 

Mr. Anan Chuchote, the Director General of Fine Arts Department, disclosed that the installation of the royal crematorium's structure for the royal cremation of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has progressed beyond 90 percent completion, while the installation of Song Tham pavilion has already been completed. 

The installation of the royal crematorium is scheduled to be completed by the end of this month then the department will start the work on landscape architecture and the drainage system. 

Technology systems have been applied to help in the construction of the royal crematorium, but officials assures that the royal traditions of old has been preserved.

 

-- nnt 2017-05-01

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Royal cremation ceremonies to be live on all TV channels

By The Sunday Nation

 

All television channels will broadcast live the royal cremation ceremonies of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October.

 

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said on Friday that the ceremonies on all five days, from October 25-29, will be beamed live.

 

Cabinet had earlier announced a national holiday on October 26, the cremation day.

 

Wissanu said it was too early to decide if the government would also declare holidays on October 25 and 27 to enable Thais from other provinces to travel to Bangkok to participate in the ceremonies.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30314449

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-05-08

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Thailand prepares for farewell to beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej
By The Nation

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Officials are working on the Royal Crematorium and related accessories as Thailand prepares for a proper farewell for one of the country’s most beloved monarchs, HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

 

King Bhumibol passed away on October 13 last year. 

 

The Royal Cremation Ceremonies for the late King will take place in October this year. At present, the structure of the Royal Crematorium is 91 per cent complete. Structural works for the Royal Merit-Making Pavilion are 99 per cent complete. 

 

Angel sculptures that will adorn the elaborate structures are now being made. 

 

Officials have been restoring royal chariots to full splendour as they will also be used for the Royal Cremation Ceremonies. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30314925

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-05-12

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Foreign tourists urged to travel outside BKK during royal cremation

 

BANGKOK, 29 May 2017 (NNT) - To avoid traffic congestion, foreign tourists are advised travel outside Bangkok in late October when the royal cremation ceremony of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is held. 

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will release an official travel advisory for foreign nationals coming to Thailand in October to inform them of the royal cremation which will take place from October 25th- 29th. 

Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangul said in order to avoid traffic congestion, foreign visitors are advised to stay outside of Bangkok during the cremation period. Information on tourist attractions outside the capital will be included in the advisory. 

Activities around the cremation site will be allowed only prior to the ceremony and must be cleared out when notified. 

Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Yuthasak Suphasorn said TAT offices nationwide and abroad will cease all activities during the cremation as a sign of respect.

 

-- nnt 2017-05-29

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Royal carriages, palanquins expected to be ready in August

 

 

BANGKOK, 2 June 2017 (NNT) – The Fine Arts Department is speeding up the restoration of royal carriages and palanquins, expecting the procedure to reach full completion this August, well ahead of the royal cremation ceremony. 

According to the Office of Traditional Arts, much progress has been made in the repair of royal carriages and palanquins, which are to be used in the royal cremation ceremony of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej this October. 

For the Rachentharayan Palanquin, or the Royal Palanquin with Four Poles, on which the Royal Urn will be transported, artisans have already finished the decoration of the entire structure with gold leaf and are in the process of embellishing it with glass mosaic tiles.

 

The construction of a smaller palanquin, called Rachentharayan Noi, has also reached 50 percent completion, with decorative patterns now being crafted from wood. The crafting process will finish within this month, after which gold leaf and glass tiles will be applied. 

As for Phra Maha Phichai Ratcharot, or the Royal Chariot of Great Victory, the works have progressed by over 70 percent, with the laying of glass mosaic tiles now nearing completion. 

It is believed that all royal carriages and palanquins will be fully completed within August, allowing sufficient time for them to be used in rehearsals of the royal cremation ceremony in September.

 

-- nnt 2017-06-02

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1,000 artists set to perform on Royal cremation day
By The Nation

 

 

BANGKOK: -- About 1,000 artists will take part in traditional performances in front of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s crematorium on Royal cremation day.

 

Culture Minister Veera Rojpojanarat told a press conference on Wednesday that all the characters, casts and details were complete and the artists have started rehearsing to give their best performances at the historic event.

 

His Majesty the late King’s Royal cremation will take place on October 26 in the Sanam Luang ceremonial ground. There will be three stages for performances on the North side from 6pm on cremation day until 6am the next day, said Fine Arts Department chief Anan Chuchote.

 

The first stage will present a shadow puppet show and a Khon performance about the Hindu epic Ramayana by artists from the Office of Performing Arts, along with teachers and students from 12 Colleges of Dramatic Arts as well as the Bunditphatthanasilpa Institute. 

 

There will also be Khon performances from Ramayana epic’s various chapters, organised by the Foundation of the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques under royal patronage, he added.

 

The second stage will present royal puppet shows from chapters in the Phra Mahachanok story, the Ramayana epic and the Phra Apaimanee story, as well as the “gold and silver flower” Thai classical dance, the classical court drama (Lakhon Nai) a story of Inao, a legendary prince in Indonesia’s East Java, and a staged play about a supernatural kinnari (half-bird and half-human) princess called Manora.

 

The third stage will present a classical music concert titled “Tha Keu Doungjai Thai Tua La” (His Majesty is in the hearts of all Thais of the land) featuring the music of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol as well as songs written to honour him, Anan said.

 

As well, a special Khon performance of the Ramayana epic’s chapter in which Phra Ram crosses over the ocean, will be held at the ceremonial ground in front of the Songtham pavilion and the Royal crematorium as tribute to the late King’s great merits to the country, he added.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30317456

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-06-08

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Progress of funeral pyre project more than halfway complete

 

 

BANGKOK, 9 June 2017 (NNT) - The construction on the royal funeral pyre and its surrounding pavilions is more than 50% complete, according to Traditional Arts officials.

The officials have finished building the funeral pyre's framework on all nine four-post thrones, as well as the flooring, and stairways. They are currently in the process of installing surfaces and architectural elements on the first, second, and third platforms. The architectural team is working to scale up their model of the four-post thrones, before various pieces can enter production. 

The team in charge of the main ceremonial pavilion is currently installing the roof and applying interior decorations. The walls are approximately 50 percent installed. 

The team has also finished with painting the statues of eight sitting deities and 12 standing deities and is in the process of attaching clothing and accessories. As for the animal statues, the team has finished sculpting two north-facing elephants, painting the west-facing horses and south-facing cows, and is in the process of printing in silicon the east-facing lions.

 

-- nnt 2017-06-09

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Proper vocabulary for use during royal cremation ceremony to be published

 

 

BANGKOK, 14 June 2017 (NNT) – The Ministry of Culture has joined hands with the Public Relations Department to hold a training program on proper vocabulary usage for the royal cremation ceremony for His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 

Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat said the Fine Arts Department had recently updated a vocabulary book for use during the royal cremation ceremony for the late king and assigned linguist experts to translate it and publish a special dictionary to be distributed to international agencies and media. 

The dictionary will be made available online as ebook for any persons to download on www.m.culture.go.th. 

The Ministry of Culture is also working with the Public Relations Department to hold a workshop on royal vocabulary usage for Thai and international media, as well as organize a trip to the royal crematorium in order to disseminate accurate information prior to the royal event.

 

-- nnt 2017-06-14

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Meeting to discuss public role in Royal Cremation
By The Nation

 

 

BANGKOK: -- HER ROYAL HIGHNESS Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, daughter of late King Rama IX, will on June 26 preside over a meeting that will decide how Thais can take part to the ceremonies marking the Royal Cremation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

 

The much-beloved monarch reigned benevolently for seven decades till his demise on October 13 last year. 

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday that the committee organising the royal ceremonies would discuss about people’s participation and the government’s preparations at the meeting. 

 

People outside Bangkok will |likely be able to place funeral wood flowers in their home provinces before the actual ceremony takes place at Sanam Luang. 

 

Pictures will be taken and sent to Sanam Luang in Bangkok, where the Royal Crematorium is located. 

 

“Some flowers will then be used at the Royal Cremation,” Wissanu said, discussing the possibilities. 

 

In Bangkok, mourners can place funeral wood flowers at some 80 designated arches where the photo of King Rama IX would be displayed. 

 

The Royal Household Bureau has asked the government to prepare the guest list for the Royal Cremation on October 26. 

 

Between 7,000 and 7,500 seats would be available but some 2,000 would be reserved for people marching in the grand processions. 

 

The processions to bring the Royal Urn to the Royal Crematorium will take place from 8am-9am on October 26. The symbolic fire-lighting for the ceremony will be held at 5pm the same day. 

 

But the actual cremation will start at around 10pm. 

 

“We plan to issue cards to guests who will have assigned seats,” he said. 

 

Members of the public will not be able to join the ceremonies at Sanam Luang during the actual cremation. 

 

“But they may go to nearby areas such as the National Theatre where various performances will be staged,” he said. 

 

The committee organising the Royal Cremation would also look into suspending entertainment events during the period. 

 

Since the passing of King Rama IX, Thailand has been observing a lengthy mourning period. Many people still wear black and white clothing to show their grief. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30318098

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-06-15

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Construction of royal crematorium more than 50% complete

 

 

BANGKOK, 22 June 2017 (NNT) - The construction of the royal crematorium and other structures for the royal funeral of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej are more than 50% complete. 

According to Deputy Prime Minister Gen Thanasak Patimaprakorn, the progress of the construction is faster than previously anticipated as the structures of 9 Busabok pavilions have already been completed. 

Gen Thanasak serves as a chairman of the committee overseeing the construction of the royal crematorium and other structures that surround it. The installation of mythical creature and angel sculptors are underway. 

The royal-merit making pavilion is halfway done as roof and decoration works are still ongoing. Roofs and floors are now being installed at Sala Luk Khun 1 and 2. 

As for the royal urn, which is 70% finished, floral designs and Dok Mai Whai flowers are being placed at the base of the urn. 

Many civilians have volunteered to paint the sculptors of Hindu Gods and mythical creatures. The painting is now 30% complete while the construction of all sculptors around the royal crematorium is 65% complete. 

Gen Thanasak is scheduled to visit the Department of Fine Arts to inspect other art works to be used in the royal cremation ceremony.

 

-- nnt 2017-06-22

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Princess oversees King’s funeral preparation
By The Nation

 

 

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn chairs a top-level meeting on Monday at Government House to direct preparations for the royal funeral of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 

 

The royal funeral ceremonies of the late King are scheduled for October 25-29. 

 

The cremation will take place at Sanam Luang in Bangkok on October 26, which has been declared a public holiday to allow people to attend the event.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/breakingnews/30319123

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-06-26

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Only one public holiday for Royal cremation of the late King

By Thai PBS Reporters 

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Secretary-General of the Cabinet on Tuesday issued a statement denying a report that the government has announced five public holidays during the Royal cremation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October.

 

According to the statement, the cabinet at its meeting on April 25 agreed that Thursday October 26 which was scheduled as date for the Royal cremation would be announced a public holiday.

 

The widely-circulated report of five public holidays is not true, said the statement.

 

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/one-public-holiday-royal-cremation-late-king/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2017-06-28

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Govt not ban entertaining activities on 26 Oct

 

  

BANGKOK, 30 June 2017 (NNT) - The government does not discourage entertaining activities during the period when the royal cremation ceremonies take place, except on the Royal Cremation Day on 26 October. 

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam on Thursday spoke of guidelines for the private sector and the general public during the royal cremation ceremonies. He said he had instructed Television Pool of Thailand to broadcast the ceremonies based on correctness and Thai traditions. 

The deputy PM added that the government does not prohibit entertaining activities in October and they can be organized normally. However, he suggested that organizers of the activities should consider the appropriateness of their activities and respect the ceremonies on 26 October. 

 

-- nnt 2017-06-30

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PRD & TV Pool plan coverage of royal funeral

 

BANGKOK, 6th July 2017 (NNT) - The Public Relations Department (PRD) and the The Television Pool of Thailand have held a meeting to prepare for the broadcast coverage of the royal funeral of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Acting Secretary-General of the PRD, Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd chaired a meeting with the PRD and TV Pool to follow up on the progress of the installation of broadcast equipment and media stations around the royal funeral pyre and at nearby Thammasat University.

LT Gen Sansern revealed that officials will conduct two rehearsals to ensure the proper functioning of over 100 cameras, and appropriate coverage of the entire ceremony, while the main auditorium at Thammasat University will serve as a base for foreign and Thai press.

Cameras and sound equipment have been installed in the royal ceremonial pavilion and its four surrounding pavilions, the royal funeral pyre, the narration box, behind Thammasat University, and along the route of the funeral procession.

 

-- nnt 2017-07-06

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Construction of royal crematorium progresses by over 56%

  

NAKHON PATHOM, 6 July 2017 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn has reported further progress in the construction of the royal crematorium for His Majesty the late King Rama IX as well as the preparation of decorative features. 

Gen Tanasak paid a visit to the Office of Traditional Arts in Nakhon Pathom province in order to follow up on the progress of artistic works being made for the royal crematorium. The deputy premier was given a tour by Culture Minister Weera Rojpotchanarat and Director-General of the Fine Arts Department Anant Chuchote to inspect the preparation of the fire screens, decorative sculptures, paintings related to royal initiative projects and the royal cannon cart. 

After the visit, Gen Tanasak expressed his satisfaction with all procedures, saying they are being conducted in accordance with the timeframe. At present, he said only touch-ups are left to be done and specialists will need to be deployed for the task. All artistic elements are expected to be finished in late September, in time for the royal cremation ceremony. 

As for Rachentharayan Palaquin, or the Royal Palaquin with Four Poles, progress has reached 80 percent while full completion is expected within this month. Meanwhile, overall progress of the construction of the royal crematorium and accompanying structures is currently at 56.3 percent. 

 

-- nnt 2017-07-07

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Preparation for live broadcast of royal cremation ceremony underway

 

 

BANGKOK, 13 July 2017 (NNT) - The preparation for the live broadcast of the upcoming royal cremation ceremony of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is underway. 

Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Ormsin Chivapruck and Acting Director-General of the Public Relations Department Lt Gen Sansern Keawkamnerd traveled to Sanam Laung to inspect a broadcasting system set up at the cremation site. 

They were joined by a group of people responsible for the live telecast of the ceremony. A total of 127 cameras and 16 outside broadcast (OB) vehicles will be used during the ceremony. 

Cameras will be set up in 16 locations around Bangkok where people can offer sandalwood flowers as a tribute to His Majesty the late King. 

Everything will be tested in September. 

A live broadcast command center is now being set up at a conference hall in Thammasat University where information related to the event will be provided to members of the press. 

In addition, all TV stations will be required to comply with new broadcasting regulations from October 1st onwards. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is scheduled to observe the progress on the construction of the royal crematorium and other ongoing projects.

 

-- nnt 2017-07-13

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Royal Funeral arrangements

By The Nation

 

 

 

 

 

Photos by EPA

 

 

A view of the construction site for the Royal Funeral pyre, centre, for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s cremation ceremony, in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
 

The royal cremation of King Bhumibol is scheduled for October 26, and the funeral will include five days of rites.

King Bhumibol died at the age of 88 in Siriraj Hospital on October 13, 2016.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30320719

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-07-14

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Public can visit Royal Crematorium from November 1 to 30

By The Nation

 

 

The public will be allowed to visit the Royal Crematorium and related structures as well as an exhibition about the Royal Cremation, at Bangkok's Sanam Luang from November 1 to 30. 

 

The Royal Cremation of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej will be held during October 25-29.

 

Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn on Wednesday presided over a meeting of the committee tasked with organising the exhibition after the late monarch's Royal Cremation. 

 

The committee resolved to set up various sub-committees to be in charge of various parts of the exhibition.

 

According to Culture Minister Veera Rojpojanarat, the exhibition held at the Song Tham pavilion would be in two parts; one about the late monarch's life and work and the other about the late monarch's work in foreign countries to boost international ties as well as display honours and awards he received from other countries.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30321271

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-07-20

 

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Khon performance to be featured in royal cremation ceremony

 

 

BANGKOK, 8 August 2017 (NNT) – The SUPPORT Foundation is preparing to arrange a traditional Khon mask dance during the royal cremation ceremony of His Majesty the late King Rama IX at Sanam Luang. 

Thanpuying Charungjit Teekara, Private Secretary to Her Majesty the Queen, announced that Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has graciously instructed the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques, or the SUPPORT Foundation in short, to cooperate with Bunditpatanasilpa Institute to organize a Khon mask dance in honor of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 

The show is scheduled to take place in the northern end of Sanam Luang on the cremation day, October 26 this year. It will depict three major episodes from the Ramayana and will last for two hours. The use of backgrounds and the multi-vision technique will be incorporated into certain scenes while technical details in the singing, music and dance will be enhanced. The special performance will also promote the virtue of loyalty, which Thai people having been upholding towards His Late Majesty. 

With a total of 300 performers involved in the show, outfits and ornaments are being made for them by officials of the SUPPORT Foundation. All preparations are expected to be completed within this September.

 

-- nnt 2017-08-08

 

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Scores of people pay their respects before royal urn

By The Nation 

 

Photo by Anant Chantarasoot

 

Many people from across Thailand continue to pay their respects before the royal urn of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall in Bangkok on Monday.

The Bureau of the Royal Household on Sunday reported that 9,832,985 people had paid their respects before the urn in 298 days. 

 

The beloved monarch passed away on October 13 last year.

 

During the same period, public merit-making donations for the late King totalled Bt736,847,957.

 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30325100

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-08-28

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King orders replica of Royal Crematorium for mourners

By Vorawit Pumpuang 
The Nation

 

 

HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn has ordered that a replica of the elaborate Royal Crematorium for his late father be erected at the Royal Plaza.

The current monarch intends to allow people to lay funeral flowers in tribute to HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej during the Royal Cremation Ceremonies that will run from October 25 to 29.

 

The construction of the replica is now taking place. 

 

The Royal Crematorium is being built in Sanam Luang area. Although it is vast it will not be able to accommodate all mourners. 

 

The government has prepared several venues across the country for people to lay funeral flowers in tribute to the King’s late father. 

 

Source: https://app.sproutsocial.com/feeds/twitter/georgebkk/

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-08-28

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Television To Return To B&W In Run-Up To Royal Funeral

By Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

 

Toned-down programming broadcast 18 Oct. 2016 by state-owned MCOT. Photo: NineEntertain Official / YouTube

 

BANGKOK — The government has asked television broadcasters to desaturate their colors and air programming about His Majesty Rama IX for the 20 days leading up to his cremation.

 

Cabinet member Ormsin Chivapruck said Tuesday that for the duration of funerary rites, all channels should cooperate by toning down their programming: both in color and content.

 

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2017/08/30/television-return-bw-run-royal-funeral/

 

-- © Copyright Khaosod English 2017-08-30

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For the late King, a life recalled

By KUPLUTHAI PUNGKANON 
THE NATION

 

 

Murals for the royal crematorium are almost finished, glorious depictions of His benefial projects

 

MORE THAN 300 volunteer artists have almost completed the majestic murals that will adorn the Phra Thinang Songtham – the Royal Merit-making Pavilion at the crematorium being readied for the funeral in October of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

 

The Office of Ten Divisions of Traditional Thai Crafts said this week the huge murals for the pavilion where members of the royal family will assemble were about 90-per-cent complete. The work is being done at the agency’s premises in Nakhon Pathom.

 

The cremation rites are scheduled for October 26 at Sanam Luang in Bangkok.

 

The main structure among the ceremonial pavilions adjoining the crematorium will be adorned with painted depictions of projects initiated by the beloved late monarch for the benefit of the country and its people.

 

There are 46 key events depicted in all, showing King Rama IX directing and revisiting the projects. The individual scenes forming the large composite murals are based on sketches by renowned artist Montien Chuseuhung.  

 

For this most solemn of occasions, the Phra Thinang Songtham has been conceived as a contemporary structure with a unique design. About 200 metres in length, it has the rectangular shape of a formal assembly hall.

 

Its primary function will be to shelter His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn as he presides over the funeral ceremony. Joining him there will be other members of the royal family, visiting heads of state, Cabinet ministers, senior officials, foreign ambassadors and other honoured guests. The hall is equipped with 2,500 seats.

 

The magnificent murals on canvas will occupy three walls of the Phra Thinang Songtham. The first wall is the largest, covering 93 square metres. For this, artisans of the Office of Ten Divisions of Traditional Thai Crafts have painted scenes from 19 royally initiated projects in and around Bangkok. 

 

 

They include the agricultural testing grounds at Chitralada Palace, the use of the Chaipattana aerator that the late King invented, and the “monkey cheek” scheme for retaining water he devised for times of flood and drought. The Rama XIII Bridge over the Chao Phraya River is shown, as is the Khlong Lat Pho Floodgate on its eastern bank. 

 

 

The second wall, 71 metres square, is being prepared by artisans of the Office of Traditional Arts and art students from Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin. It features 13 more royal projects, these found in the North and Northeast. 

 

The third wall, also 71 square metres, is under the purview of Bunditpatanasilpa, the College of Fine Arts, whose artists have shown 14 royal projects in the South and elsewhere in the Central region. 

 

Artist-lecturer Sanan Rattana noted that painting for a royal cremation is by necessity time-constrained. “We have no time to waste,” he said. “Everything must be done perfectly and on time, and we have less than two weeks to go.”

 

That was during a visit to the Nakhon Pathom studio early this month. The mural panels are to be completed within the next week or so, so they can be transported to Sanam Luang and fitted in ample time to ensure there are no problems.

 

“For the artists,” Sanan said, “this is like taking a final exam, but we’ve passed this type of ‘exam’ three times before – painting panels for the funerals of Their Royal Highnesses the Princess Mother in 1996, Princess Galyani Vadhana in 2008, and Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda in 2011.

The Gaew Galaya – the floral embellishment we designed – is now instated in the study of traditional Thai art.”

 

The work requires great effort and an intense unity of spirit, Sanan said. 

 

“The artists are all volunteering their time, and many of them are quite famous. They’ve come together whole-heartedly, eat and sleep here on the premises, sine sometimes they prefer to work at night. We all want to do this for our beloved King.”

 

What distinguish the work, he said, is that a lot of research is required. They tracked down the exact times and places of each event depicted and studied photographs to see who was there and what they looked like, where they stood and what they were wearing, even their insignia of office.

 

 

“For example, during His Majesty’s visit to the flood-prevention project in Chumpon, we used as reference a photo showing him, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and then-Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, who is a College of Fine Arts graduate and even helped with the painting,” Sanan said. 

 

Chumpon also happens to be Sanan’s hometown, so he’s been able to depict the trees there exactly as they look. 

 

Saknarin Koonsawat, who’s responsible for the likenesses of the late King, said he’s truly honoured to be involved in the funeral preparations. He showed an old photograph of His Majesty visiting the Hup Krapong Royal Project. 

 

“It’s important to convey the correct facial expression, the walk and the movement,” he said. “His Majesty is our greatest role model in life. Even if he’s no longer among us, his virtues remain in our hearts.”

 

Other well-known artists participating include Rattanachai Chairat, Pichit Paidan, Wathana Kreethong, Karn Rattanajul, Jeerapong Khunpaew, Boonpan Wongpakdee and Booncherd Khemngan.

 

ANGELS READY TO TAKE WING

 

 

 Also nearly finished are paintings of celestial beings intended for the royal crematorium itself, the Chak Bang Phloeng. These too have been the responsibility of the Office of Ten Divisions of Traditional Thai Crafts.

 

Artist Kiattisak Suwannaphong said this week the panels were on schedule to be framed early in the coming month ready for transporting to the site in Sanam Luang.

 

The remarkable west panel has had something of a royal blessing: Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn decorated the central jewels on the god Narayana’s headdress with the nine auspicious colours. 

 

The artists have finished the multihued dresses of the goddesses and angels, filling in their jewellery with gold leaf.

 

What visitors will see are eight scenes from the lives of the Vedic deity Narayana, pointing to the late monarch’s divine status. The cremation is viewed as his return to the realm of the gods, and these murals employ what’s been termed the “King Rama IX style of art” with, for example, a distinctive way of depicting musculature. 

 

“The facial expressions are calm and tranquil, as if they’re deep in meditation,” Kiattisak says. “According to ancient belief, they come to attend the royal cremation and will escort His Majesty to Heaven.”

 

The murals are double-sided. On the reverse side are gorgeous lotuses in bloom, montha thip flowers arranged in the feunguba pattern, and the late King’s monogram. The scenes are brought to life with depictions of creatures living in the lotus pond, such Nile fish, dragonflies, grasshoppers and butterflies. 

 

Former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, a talented artist, has spent months painting panels for the staircases leading up to the main crematorium. 

 

In a tribute to Her Majesty the Queen, patron of traditional craftspeople, he has costumed his angels in garments of classic woven materials, bearing famous patterns from all four regions of Thailand. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/kingdomgrieves/30325320

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-08-31

 

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King Rama IX Grand Royal crematorium to finish in time

By PHATARAWADEE PHATARANAWIK 
THE NATION

 

The construction of the elaborate Royal Crematorium for His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej are now nearly complete. The Royal Cremation Ceremonies will be held from October 25 to October 29.

 

THE grandest-ever Royal crematorium for the late HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej will be finished by September 30 in time for HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn to install the top of the nine-spired funeral pyre on October 18, marking the official end of construction.

 

The cremation of the late King Rama IX will take place on October 26, the second day of five in the Royal Cremation Ceremonies.

 

“Now the construction, the interior design and landscape are almost done. It has now reached 90-per-cent completion and we will surely finish the world's greatest crematorium for our beloved King Bhumibol in time,” Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn confirmed at a press conference at the National Museum yesterday.

 

 

Thai masters are busy finishing the “architecture of heaven” – an elegant nine-spired funeral pyre for the late King that will send his soul into the afterlife in late October.

 

Built to represent Mount Meru, the centre of the Hindu universe, the Royal Crematorium will embody the highest of Thai arts and architecture, with delicate towers adorned with images from mythology and from the life of the late King, who died on October 13, 2016 in his 89th year, after seven decades on the throne.

 

Replicas nationwide

 

Meanwhile, the government also ordered the construction of 85 replicas of the Royal Crematorium around the country, where millions of Thais can pay their last respects to their beloved King Rama IX.

 

Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the replicas would be installed nationwide by October 15. 

 

There will be one in the Muang district of each of the 76 provinces and another nine in and around Bangkok. The Bangkok sites are the Royal Plaza, the plaza in front of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s headquarters, the former Government Lottery Office, Nagaraphirom Park, King Rama I Plaza, Dhupateme Royal Thai Air Force Sports Stadium, Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Bitec), Buddha Monthon Park and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. 

 

After the Royal Cremation Ceremonies, the government will allow the general public to visit an exhibition about the late King from November 1 to 30.

 

The exhibition will be divided into five zones. The late King’s biography will be presented at the first zone, which will include a high-tech presentation including holograms. His works focusing on sufficiency development will be the highlight of the second zone.

 

His success developing the land with his Dhamma will be covered in the third zone. His international efforts in bringing Thailand to the world will be presented in the fourth zone. The last zone will feature an exhibition on the royal ceremonies and traditional Thai arts.

 

The Culture Ministry will produce special exhibits for blind people, along with audio descriptions. The general public will be able to scan QR codes that will show 3D images and text on their personal devices. 

 

The ministry will also distribute 3 million leaflets. About 100,000 people are expected to visit the exhibition each day.

 

There will be live performances, including Khon masked dance and a live traditional Thai orchestra at the exhibition. Similar performances will also be staged in all provinces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30326619

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-09-14

 

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Royal crematorium close to completion

 

 

BANGKOK, 22nd September 2017 (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister Gen Thanasak Patimaprakorn, has visited Sanam Luang royal plaza to observe the construction of the royal crematorium, along with Director-General of the Fine Arts Department Anan Chuchote. 

The transformation of Sanam Luang royal plaza into King Rama IX’s royal cremation site is now 95 percent complete. The craftsmen are adding finishing touches to the crematorium and its surrounding pavilions. Gen Thanasak has confirmed the undertaking will be concluded on time. 

The site features constructions and adornments reflecting the Kingdom’s noble history, and HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s impressive achievements such as a spired throne, model paddy field, Chaipattana aerator, Monkey Cheek water retention project and various kinds of plants involved in the late monarch’s development projects. 

The royal cremation is scheduled for 25th-29th October. The cremation venue will subsequently be open to the public between 1st and 30th November.

 

-- nnt 2017-09-22

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MOPH prepares medical units for royal cremation

 

NONTHABURI, 28 September 2017 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has prepared medical units to serve the general public during the Royal Cremation. 

Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsattayathorn said that preparations for the royal cremation ceremony for His late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej will include the availability of medical professionals and paramedics stationed around the ceremonial grounds and the Grand Palace, along with a patient referring system in case of an emergency. 

MOPH officials will work in cooperation with paramedic units from the military to provide first aid and other medical services when needed. 

Deputy Public Health Ministry Permanent-Secretary Sophon Mekthon said that the MOPH had instructed the Bureau of Health Emergency Response to open an Emergency Operation Center and the Department of Medical Services to assign medical professionals to take care of the general public at the 21 main service spots and 113 funeral flower laying spots, as well as mobilizing officials at remote ceremonial venues across the country, and ensure the availability of ambulances and equipment needed to transport patients in case of emergency. 

Volunteers will be accepted to help with the medics to ensure that members of the public will be taken care of, as the volunteers must first undergo first-aid and life-saving training courses. 

The MOPH's medical service centers at the royal plaza has provided services to 3.2 million people since the commencement of the Royal Funeral ceremony. The service centers will be operational until the last day the general public are allowed to enter the Grand Palace to pay homage to the late monarch.

 

-- nnt 2017-09-28

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Grand Palace mourner checkpoints now open round the clock

By The Nation

 

 

Two locations where mourners are screened before entering the Grand Palace to pay respects before the Royal Urn are to remain open round the clock through October 5.

The Royal Household Bureau’s earlier announcement that Saturday (September 30) would be the final day for citizens to view the urn of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej sent the number of people queuing skyrocketing in the past week, to 60,000-70,000 per day.

 

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn has responded by extending the lying-in-state period to October 5, giving mourners from across the country more time to pay homage.

 

The Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order around the Grand Palace on Thursday said the operating hours for two visitor screening points – at the Rattankosin Hotel and the Territorial Defence Command Circle – would be extended to 24 hours a day.

 

The Grand Palace and adjacent Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be closed to all visitors from October 6-29 amid preparations for the royal funeral.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30328011

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-09-29