The Prime Minister announced the progress of the construction of the royal crematorium for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, expecting completion in October 2026, reflecting the royal conduct of the "Mother of the Nation."

Today (Jan 26) 10:20 AM at the Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Royal Cremation Ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, announced the progress of the construction of the royal crematorium and its components for the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.

The Prime Minister stated that the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on October 24, 2025, at Chulalongkorn Hospital, brought profound sorrow to the entire nation. With profound gratitude for His Majesty the King's immense benevolence towards the nation and its people throughout his life, the government, as representatives of the Thai people, has appointed a committee to organize the Royal Cremation Ceremony in accordance with royal tradition and with utmost respect. The government has respectfully invited Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to serve as an advisor to the organization of this Royal Cremation Ceremony.

The government has assigned the Ministry of Culture, through the Fine Arts Department, to design and construct the Royal Crematorium and its accompanying structures, to restore the royal chariots and palanquins, and to design the sandalwood casket, sandalwood urn, and other ceremonial items for the Royal Cremation Ceremony. This work is now under the command of His Majesty the King. His Majesty the King graciously granted royal approval for the construction of the royal crematorium according to the design submitted by the government.

The Fine Arts Department adhered to the principles of designing the royal crematorium to be correct according to ancient royal traditions, while also possessing artistic beauty and conveying concepts reflecting His Majesty's virtuous conduct and compassion towards the Thai people. The royal crematorium's spire is in the shape of a crown, similar to the headdresses of royalty, and features a seven-tiered roof with eaves resembling the Grand Palace. The finial is in the shape of Brahma's face, symbolizing His Majesty's ascension to the Brahma realm after death and representing His Majesty's title, "Mother of the Nation," signifying her role as a mother caring for her children, thus signifying her being the Brahma of her people. At the very top of the royal crematorium is a nine-tiered white umbrella (Nopapatlom Maha Saewetachat), signifying the highest royal rank.

The royal crematorium has a square plan, shaped like a castle with four porches, situated on a two-tiered platform decorated with figures of angels, symbolizing the ascension to heaven. The roof is a muted blue, interspersed with iridescent beetle wings. Each gable is adorned with the royal monogram "S.K." on a blue background, the color associated with Friday, the day of Her Majesty's birth, and a pink background, the auspicious color of her birthday. The gable arches are constructed in the style of a female figure's face, inspired by the crown and necklaces Her Majesty wore during her lifetime. The decorative patterns on the crematorium are inspired by various plants associated with the name "Sirikit." The fire screen was embroidered by artisans from the Sirikit Institute, a foundation established through the royal patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.

The surrounding landscape of the royal crematorium is arranged according to the concept of a cosmic geography, adorned with circular ponds surrounded by figures of mythical creatures and characters from the Ramakien epic. The construction of the royal crematorium includes structures such as the Phra Thinang Song Tham, Sala Luk Khun, Thap Kaset, and Tim, which will serve as residences and reception areas for ambassadors and invited guests attending the royal ceremony.

Regarding the construction of the sandalwood casket and sandalwood urn, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has already delivered fragrant sandalwood to the Fine Arts Department's Ten Craftsmen Division. Currently, the design and patterns are being finalized for construction. The urn for the royal remains will be made of gold, enameled with royal jewels, and adorned with gemstones. It will be octagonal in shape with a crown-shaped finial, following traditional designs. Furthermore, His Majesty has graciously ordered the creation of ceremonial items to be presented to royal temples and religious sites. These include four different styles of tables, bookshelves, desks with bookshelves and chairs, and lamps. His Majesty has given his royal approval for their creation.

This outlines the schedule for the construction of the royal crematorium. Construction will begin in February 2026 and be completed in October 2026. The government will then submit the matter to His Majesty the King for his royal consideration in order to determine the date for the royal cremation ceremony.

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Source of material: official media /online news