Bangkok: Air Chief Marshal Somkid Sukhbangkorn, Chief Chamberlain to the Royal Household, led a significant ceremony on August 20, 2026, at Kui Buri National Park. The event involved offering prayers and cutting naturally fallen sandalwood trees for use in the royal funeral of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavadi, Krom Luang Rajasarinisiripatchara Mahavajrarajathida. Prominent figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Mrs. Supajee Suthamphan and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Mr. Suchart Chomklin, were in attendance.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation selected 20 naturally deceased sandalwood trees for the ceremony, adhering to ancient royal traditions. The ritual began at 11:09 AM, with Air Chief Marshal Somkid Sukhbang anointing the trees with sacred water. The royal astrologer and attendants enhanced the ceremony with sounds from gongs, conch shells, trumpets, and drums. The chairman initiated the cutting with a golden axe, marking the auspicious start of the event by striking the first tree.
Sandalwood is cherished for its unique fragrance and auspicious qualities, frequently used in royal ceremonies. Its selection for the royal funeral was meticulous, following ancient practices and sustainable resource conservation principles. The sandalwood trees were chosen from dry evergreen forests in Kui Buri National Park, noted for their suitability for this purpose.
Botanical characteristics of sandalwood include its status as a slow-growing hardwood with a distinctive fragrance. It is utilized in various royal and medicinal applications, from constructing royal urns to treating ailments. The ceremony emphasized the importance of preserving this valuable species, with a commitment to replanting ten trees for every tree used.
Mr. Suchart Chomklin highlighted the careful selection process, ensuring adherence to royal traditions and sustainable practices. Following the ceremony, participants planted 10 new sandalwood trees, reinforcing the commitment to ecological balance and conservation.
Officials, alongside local agencies and volunteers, managed the transportation and processing of the sandalwood. Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa from the Department of National Parks reported that 20 trees were cut and transported, with logs and planks prepared for the Fine Arts Department's Royal Craftsmen Division to construct elements for the royal funeral ceremony.