Remains of Queen Sirikit taken to Grand Palace

The remains of Queen Sirikit of Thailand, the Queen Mother, have been transported to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, where a funeral was then held.

The Royal Family, including King Rama X, Queen Suthida, Princess Sirivannavari and Prince Dipangkorn, escorted Her Majesty’s remains from Chulalongkorn Hospital to the Grand Palace.

Queen Sirikit’s last journey took place in the royal working vehicle of King Rama IX, her late husband. The Volkswagen Caravelle V6 also carried the late monarch’s remains to the Grand Palace in 2016.

The streets were lined with Thai people in black saying goodbye to the late Queen Mother. Many in the crowd were seen holding photos of the King’s mother.

Citizens were also granted permission to pay their respects to Queen Sirikit at her portrait at the Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion in the Grand Palace from 8 am until noon on 26 October.

Upon arrival at the Grand Palace, Her Majesty’s remains were taken to the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, where they were enshrined.

The King, Queen, Princess Royal and other members of the Royal Family took part in the funeral service at the Royal Palace, which included a religious ceremony. The Great Golden Urn was placed under the nine-tiered white umbrella as part of the service.

There will be daily recitings of Buddhist scriptures for 100 days following her death as part of the funeral arrangements.

The public will be able to pay their respects in the Throne Hall after His Majesty has taken part in the 15-day royal funeral rites.

The Thai king has declared a one-year mourning period for the Royal Family and Royal Court. Government offices will have their flags at half-mast for 30 days beginning on 25 October. Government officials and civil servants will also observe the one-year mourning period.