Thai king’s funeral set for October

 

October 26 is set for the cremation of Thailand’s late king Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose death has kept the country in a mourning mood for over a year ago. The junta made the announcement Tuesday.

 

Government spokesman Lieutenant General Sansern Kaewkumnerd said five-day funeral plans would start on October 25 culminating in the cremation the second day.

 An event which necessitates a public holiday, is one meant to celebrate the passage of senior Thai royals and it is considered a huge and costly ceremony which not many Thais have experienced in their life time. 

Bhumibol, whose aged 88 at the time of his death on October 13 last year was the world’s longest-reigning king.

 

His monarchy endured seven decades that saw notable economic growth but saw democratic aspirations which faded amidst weight of numerous coups influenced by the palace.

 

The monarchy notably, was protected from any blame by a draconian lese majeste law. Same law was employed often times till the end of Bhumibol’s reign, most remarkably after the 2014 coup.

 

Bhumibol’s illness spanned for years, and his passing kept Thais mourning, visibly displayed by wearing monochrome black or white clothing for the mandatory one-year period.

A huge cremation complex is sited on a parade ground meant for royal funerals outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The complex features towering pavilions and hundreds of god statues and mystical beasts, representing Mount Meru, the symbol of the universe in Buddhist, Hindu and Jain tradition, the place of return for Bhumibol’s spirit as believed by Thais.

 

King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who succeeds Bhumibol would hold his own coronation after the funeral but he has not neared his father’s widely-acclaimed fame and he is currently working to make for his influence.


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