The Ministry of Culture on Sunday outlined plans to hold various cultural and religious activities, as well as preparations for funeral rites and the cremation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother following her death on Friday.
Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised on Sunday said the ministry deeply acknowledges Her Majesty’s benevolence and the Department of Religious Affairs had invited 93 monks to perform chanting rites starting from Sunday between the hours of 7am and 9pm at the Grand Palace’s Dusit Maha Prasat Royal Hall.
Religious groups representing Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism will also hold prayers or remembrance rites, each in accordance with their own faiths, followed by signings of the books of condolences at the end of each activity, she said.
A little further down the track, the Fine Arts Department will oversee the design and construction of the royal crematorium and related structures in accordance with traditional royal Thai customs.
Teams of architects, craftsmen and engineers will draft an initial set of designs for royal approval.
The department will also coordinate the building of replica crematoriums and pavilions for the public to offer sandalwood flowers in the provinces and to compile commemorative publications to give away to attendees.
Meanwhile, the Department of Cultural Promotion will work with national artists to host commemorative events honouring Her Majesty’s life and work
It will also coordinate with the Bureau of the Royal Household and the Prime Minister’s Office to issue public guidance on proper conduct and traditional attire for participation in royal ceremonies and upcoming cultural events, including Loy Krathong.
The Thai Film Archive will release films and archival footage of Her Majesty attending to her royal duties at various times during her life across all media platforms, in cooperation with the Public Relations Department and other government agencies, so that people can remember her lifelong contributions and work for the good of the people.
All affiliated agencies will also organise volunteer activities, such as tying mourning ribbons and sandalwood flowers and to assist people who attend the royal ceremonies.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary Office will provide further information about these events and ceremonies.