Bumibhol’s funeral pyre to be built next year

BANGKOK: Thailand will begin building the funeral pyre for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej next year, the government said, adding that 8,000 people would be involved in the cremation ceremony.

The king, who died last month at the age of 88, ruled for seven decades and was the world’s longest reigning monarch.

He was seen by many Thais as a stabilising force through an era of rapid change and social upheaval in the country.

Daily Buddhist funeral rites have been held for the king at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, but a royal cremation will not take place for at least another year.

Deputy Prime Minister Thanasak Patimaprakorn said a committee had been set up to oversee construction of the king’s cremation pyre in a public square in front of the palace. — Reuters