Prachuap khiri khan: Make offerings, cut fragrant sandalwood, build a sandalwood urn and a sandalwood coffin for Her Majesty the Queen Mother. The offering ceremony for cutting fragrant sandalwood for the construction of the sandalwood urn and sandalwood coffin for the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty the Queen Mother was held with significant attendance.
According to Thai News Agency, Air Chief Marshal Charuek Sanitwongse Na Ayudhya, Deputy Commander of the Royal Guards, led the sandalwood cutting ceremony for the Royal Cremation Ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother. The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture. The ceremony took place at Kui Buri National Park, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
At precisely 12:19 PM, the ceremony’s chairman initiated the cutting of the sandalwood tree, marking the first auspicious time. Flowers were scattered around the tree as part of the traditional rituals. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation had conducted a survey selecting 20 naturally deceased sandalwood trees, in line with ancient royal traditions. From these, 12 to 14 trees with appropriate dimensions were chosen for further processing.
The sandalwood trees in question are native to Kui Buri National Park, the same area where sandalwood was sourced for previous royal ceremonies, including those of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, and His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch. A survey conducted on November 28, 2025, confirmed the high quality and suitability of 10 trees for processing, with 8 additional trees partially usable.
The sandalwood will be processed according to government regulations and delivered to the Fine Arts Department’s Bureau of Craftsmen. Skilled artisans will transform the wood into a variety of components, including urns, coffins, and decorative elements, following traditional designs. For every sandalwood tree used, 10 new trees will be replanted to ensure ecological balance and sustainability.
Sandalwood, known for its fragrant and durable qualities, has played a significant role in Thai royal ceremonies since ancient times. It is considered a sacred material, with historical use dating back to the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, in collaboration with the Fine Arts Department and volunteer teams, will oversee the processing of the sandalwood. The final products will embody over 35 intricate decorative patterns, ensuring that the Royal Crematorium meets the highest standards of honor and tradition.
Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, emphasized the department’s commitment to ecological balance. The replanting initiative aims to increase the number of sandalwood trees in the forest, with a target of reaching 200 newly planted trees, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts.