Bangkok: The Ministry of Interior has briefed governors across 76 provinces on the preparations required for the public's offering of sandalwood flowers during the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. The ministry aims to ensure that the ceremonies proceed smoothly and with respect, aligning with national directives.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, discussed the extensive plans for the offering of sandalwood flowers in provinces nationwide. The procedures follow the resolutions of the Steering Committee for the Royal Cremation Ceremony, which convened recently. The ceremony is designed to include participation from various sectors such as government agencies, private organizations, students, and volunteers, who are invited to create sandalwood flowers for the occasion.
Each province will send a representative bouquet to Bangkok for the royal cremation at Sanam Luang. Concurrently, provinces and districts will conduct their own offering ceremonies in two rounds, one starting at 9:00 AM and the other from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Specific arrangements are made for the Mueang district of each province and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya to hold joint ceremonies, while other districts will host their events at designated locations.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted collaborative efforts with educational institutions, associations, and cultural clubs to organize celebratory performances on the ceremony day. Additionally, exhibitions detailing the royal biography and related activities will be displayed for one month at cremation pavilions, honoring Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, revered as the "Mother of the Nation" by the Thai people.