Royal crematorium for the Queen Mother to begin construction in February

2026-01-26 - 05:04

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on 26 January announced progress on the construction of the royal crematorium for the royal funeral of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother. Speaking at Government House, Anutin said the late Queen Mother’s passing on 24 October 2025 brought deep sorrow to people nationwide. He said the royal cremation ceremony would be organised strictly in line with royal tradition and with full honour. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has been invited to serve as adviser to the arrangements, while the Fine Arts Department under the Ministry of Culture has been assigned to design and construct the crematorium and restore the royal chariots. The plan has received royal approval from His Majesty the King. The crematorium design follows ancient royal traditions and reflects the Queen Mother’s virtues and compassion. It will feature a crown-inspired spire with a seven-tiered roof, a four-faced Brahma finial symbolising her ascent to the heavenly realm, and a nine-tiered white umbrella denoting the highest royal status. Construction is scheduled to begin in February and be completed in October 2026, after which royal approval will be sought to set the date of the royal cremation ceremony.