Design of late Thai King’s crematorium unveiled

BANGKOK, November 28 (TNA) - The crematorium of late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been designed to be a Thai-styled pavilion with pointed roof, adhering to the royal tradition of the present Rattanakosin Era, and surrounding landscape to include the late and beloved Thai monarch’s royal projects. Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn told journalists of the information on Monday, after chairing a meeting of the royal pyre building committee, noting that the planned crematorium will be 50.49 metres high, weighing from the nine tiered top to the bottom. General Tanasak explained that the royal crematorium will present the honour of the late Great Thai King and the religious belief that the King is regarded as a demi-god. According to the deputy prime minister, the 60x60-metre square base of the royal pyre platform will have stairs at all four sides, while surrounding buildings, statues of mythical creatures, mural painting will feature the stories of the late and beloved Thai monarch’s royally-initiated projects, aimed to help upgrade the livelihood of Thai people, especially those in rural Thai areas. Besides, ponds will be built at four corners to display the late and revered Thai King’s invention, Chaipattana Aerator, to improve water quality. Meanwhile, Anan Chuchote, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, under the Thai Ministry of Culture, told reporters about other details of the ornate cremation ceremony that six royal urns for containing the royal ash are being designed and its completed work will be submitted to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for further consideration. The senior official revealed that repairs of the royal chariot and palanquins will cover both structural and mechanical maintenance and it is expected to be completed by September 2017. (TNA)