Bangkok:People gathered to watch the rehearsal of the royal funeral procession for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, amidst a rehearsal conducted with utmost respect and dignity. Military personnel from various units participated in this rehearsal, which began at 630 AM, to review and familiarize themselves with the first three processions in the actual location from the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to the Royal Crematorium at Sanam Luang, ensuring accuracy and adherence to ancient royal tradition. A total of six royal processions will be involved.
According to Thai News Agency, the first procession involves the transfer of the golden urn, carried on a three-tiered palanquin from Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to the royal chariot in front of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkalaram. The second procession will see the royal urn carried on the royal chariot from in front of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkalaram to the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang. The third procession involves the royal urn being carried in a carriage with cannons around the royal crematorium. These military rehearsals aim to ensure the royal procession is conducted with the utmost respect and honor.
The area surrounding Sanam Luang was filled with citizens waiting to watch the royal procession, holding portraits of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. Among them was Ms. Thongsamud Wongphosi, a 50-year-old citizen from Laos, who traveled to the site since 4 AM. Having lived in Thailand for 20 years and being married to a Thai person, she expressed her deep love and connection to Thailand and the monarchy. She stated her desire to participate in bidding farewell to His Majesty as he ascends to heaven, having visited and paid her respects at the royal funeral more than 10 times.
Mrs. Saengchan Klantanon, 72, traveled from Samut Prakan Province and has been coming to pay respects to the late King's body every day. She intentionally came to see the ceremony today because there are only a few days left to pay her respects. She planned to stay overnight to bid farewell to His Majesty since the night of December 13th to be as close as possible to him.
The schedule for the rehearsals of the royal funeral procession includes two more minor rehearsals on November 15th and 22nd, and two full-scale rehearsals on December 6th and 12th. The procession of the royal coffin to the crematorium at Sanam Luang and the royal cremation ceremony will take place on December 16th.