Artisans Prepare for Thai King Bhumibol’s Elaborate Cremation
2017.09.11
Bangkok
Nearly 70 million Thais will mourn their much-revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej for a last time during his cremation rites, which will go from Oct. 25 to 29 and end a year of national grieving for the monarch who died in October 2016. His proper cremation is set for Oct. 26.
Artisans from the government’s Fine Arts Department and volunteers have finished 90 percent of the work on the cremation ground and a 70-meter (230-foot) tall crematorium that reflects the stature of the seven-decade reign of the U.S.-born monarch.
The artisans have spent months crafting figures of mythical creatures, such as Deva and half-Deva, half-animal ones tied to the legendary Himmapan Forest, along with other statues and artworks to decorate the royal cremation ground.
The government expects 3 million visitors to observe the royal event. Following the ceremony, the cremation ground will be open to the public for the entire month of November.
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