Sultan Nazrin to represent M’sia during Thailand’s Royal Cremation

BANGKOK: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim will represent Malaysia during the Royal Cremation Ceremony for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, according to Thailand’s Foreign Ministry.

The Royal Cremation Ceremony will last for five days starting this Wednesday, with the actual cremation slated for Thursday.

Besides Malaysia, the ministry has also confirmed the attendance of other foreign royal families to the Royal Cremation Ceremony including Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Ashi Jetsun Pema Wangchuck.

Prince Akishino from Japan, King Letsie III (Lesotho), King Tupou VI (Tonga), Queen Mathilde (Belgium), Queen Sofia (Spain), Crown Prince Frederik (Denmark), Crown Prince Haakon Magnus (Norway) and Prince Andrew Duke of York (United Kingdom) will also attend.

Other foreign leaders and Heads of States who will attend the historic ceremony include Halimah Yaacob (Singapore), Sir Peter Cosgrove (Australia), Hun Sen (Cambodia), James M.Mattis (United States), Bounnhang Vorachith (Laos) and Alan Peter S.Cayetano (Philippines).

At present, 14 members of foreign royal families as well as 18 world leaders and heads of states have confirmed their presence for the ceremony, according to the ministry.

The Thai government has estimated more than 250,000 people will throng roads near the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang which housed the ceremonial ground to witness the Royal Cremation Ceremony.