Prachuap khiri khan: A ritual ceremony for cutting sandalwood trees was held at Kui Buri National Park in preparation for the royal cremation ceremony of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavadi. Air Chief Marshal Somkid Sukhbangkorn, Senior Chamberlain, presided over the solemn event, which took place in Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
According to Thai News Agency, the ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Mrs. Supajee Suthamphan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Parames Potharakul, Advisor to the Minister of Culture, Mr. Sittichai Sawatsaen, Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and Mr. Phanombut Chantharachot, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department.
Air Chief Marshal Somkid Sukhbang initiated the ceremony at 11:09 AM, engaging in traditional rites including pouring holy water and anointing the ceremonial axe for the sandalwood trees. He lit silver and gold candles, followed by incense at the offering table. Mr. Chatchai Pin-ngern, the head of the Brahmin astrologers, conducted the incantation. The ritual included sprinkling holy water on the trees and a symbolic first cutting of a tree with the anointed axe. The ceremony concluded with the scattering of flowers around the trees and the planting of replacement saplings.
The Royal Household, in collaboration with the Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, has identified 20 naturally deceased sandalwood trees for use in crafting the sandalwood coffin and accessories for the Royal Cremation Ceremony. The process involves cutting and processing 370 logs and 1,350 planks of sandalwood, which will be delivered to the Fine Arts Department's Office of Traditional Crafts for further preparation.
Sandalwood is known for its auspicious properties, fragrant scent, and fine texture, making it highly suitable for such a significant occasion. The wood selected for this royal ceremony originates from naturally fallen trees with straight trunks in the dry evergreen forest of Kui Buri National Park.