Bangkok: The Ministry of Interior has issued instructions for all provinces across the nation to gear up for public participation in the cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, particularly focusing on regional areas.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, disclosed that the ministry has been delegated the responsibility by the Committee for the Organization of the Royal Funeral Ceremony for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. This directive arose from a resolution passed at the committee's 1/2026 meeting held on January 13, 2026. The Ministry of Interior is tasked with overseeing the public's offering of sandalwood flowers in various provinces.
The Permanent Secretary stated that to facilitate the public cremation ceremony in provincial areas, the Ministry of Interior has advised all provincial governors to consider forming provincial and district-level organizing committees. These committees are expected to include representatives from different sectors relevant to the area. Additionally, provincial and district governors are authorized to form subcommittees to support the main organizing committee, covering areas such as ceremonial affairs, venue arrangement, security, and public relations.
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary noted that provinces should identify significant locations within their jurisdiction, such as provincial or district temples or other symbolic sites, capable of accommodating large numbers of participants. These sites will serve as venues for the provincial replica crematorium and district flower-offering pavilions, except for Mueang District and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, which will coordinate directly with the provincial arrangements. This initiative aims to facilitate public participation in the cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. The Ministry of Interior will update the public on the design, size, and construction details of the replica crematorium and flower-offering pavilions once guidelines are received from the relevant committee.