Deputy PM Anutin Inspects Royal Crematorium, 99% Complete

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inspected the progress of the royal crematorium construction and the royal cremation ceremony for the Queen Mother, reporting it is over 99% complete. At 3:45 PM at Sanam Luang, Anutin, in his capacity as Interior Minister, monitored preparations for the royal cremation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. He was joined by Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phakdee Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office Pharadon Prisananantakul, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office Sabida Thaiseth, Culture Minister Phonphiphat Suwanchawi, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry Chaiwat Suwanchai, committee members, secretaries, and heads of relevant agencies.

Anutin toured the area and visited inside the ceremonial precinct, the royal crematorium perimeter, and the royal crematorium complex, which comprises the crematorium itself, the Song Tham throne hall, and auxiliary buildings such as the Luk Khun, Thim, and Thap Kaset pavilions, the Phlap Phlai Kasat pavilion, landscaping, and decorative sculptures adorning the crematorium. He personally affixed gold leaf decoration to the base of the crematorium stairs on both sides and directed the various committees to coordinate closely so that operations proceed smoothly, befitting ancient royal tradition and with full royal dignity.

After the inspection, Anutin stated that current progress exceeds 99%, with the remainder involving detailing, finishing touches, and system testing. One more major royal ceremony remains — the ceremony to raise the royal umbrella (chatra) onto the crematorium — which is of great importance. He noted that progress has proceeded well, with all parties dedicating their utmost effort to ensure the royal cremation ceremony is conducted with supreme dignity, showcasing Thailand's strong and beautiful culture and traditions. Regarding cleanup, adjustments must be made to ensure the site is ready for use within approximately one more month.

Regarding the construction of the royal crematorium and structures within the ceremonial precinct at Sanam Luang, work is proceeding according to plan and the established timeline. Currently, the crematorium is being decorated with intricate ancient-patterned gold leaf, and the Phromma Pak section has been completed and is ready to be lifted and installed atop the crematorium in preparation for the ceremony to raise the Great White Nine-Tiered Umbrella (Noppadon Maha Sawet Chat) to perfect the structure.

For the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, the decorative sculptures for the crematorium and landscape sculptures within the royal perimeter have been delivered and installed by the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT) and the Ten Divisions of Craftsmen (Chang Sip Mu) of the Fine Arts Department. They are currently finalizing detailing and decorating the area with auspicious plants according to the prescribed design.