Royally-sponsored cremation of Thailand's late Supreme Patriarch set Dec 16

BANGKOK, December 15 (TNA) - Devout Buddhists have paid their last respect to Thailand's late Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara at the Bowon Niwet Vihara Temple, before the royally-sponsored cremation on December 16. The faithful people were allowed to pay their last respect to the late revered Supreme Patriarch from 8–10am on December 15, after which concerned officials have been preparing for the royally-sponsored cremation, which will be held at the Thep Sirintharawat Temple. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is scheduled to preside over the royally-sponsored cremation for the late Supreme Patriarch on behalf of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Thep Sirintharawat Temple. The Thai government has invited people nationwide to wear black on December 16 to pay their last respect to the late Supreme Patriarch. According to police, four major roads from the Bowon Niwet Vihara Temple to the Thep Sirintharawat Temple and several other roads near the temples will be closed to traffic from 5am on Wednesday until the cremation ceremony is finished in the evening. An assistant to the abbot of the Bowon Niwet Vihara Temple announced that people are then allowed to worship the remains of the late Supreme Patriarch at the temple from December 17-18. (TNA)