Deputy Government Spokesperson Airin Phanrit announced today (Oct 25) that the Cabinet has approved an official statement from the Office of the Prime Minister expressing profound sorrow at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother last night, as announced by the Bureau of the Royal Household.
The government said it was “deeply saddened” by the news and outlined a series of national mourning measures and preparations for the royal funeral ceremony to be conducted in accordance with ancient royal tradition.
Under the Cabinet resolution:
* All government offices, state enterprises, government agencies and educational institutions are to fly national flags at half-mast for 30 days, starting from Oct 25.
* Civil servants, state enterprise employees and government officials are to observe a mourning period of one year, also beginning today.
* Members of the public are requested to dress and conduct themselves appropriately during the mourning period.
Ms Airin said entertainment and service venues are requested to show respect during this time of national mourning by reducing or suspending entertainment activities for 30 days, as deemed appropriate.
To enable the royal funeral ceremonies to proceed in accordance with royal tradition, the following arrangements have been approved:
- Bathing ceremony – The public will be permitted to offer water to bathe the body of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother and pay their final respects in front of her portrait at the **Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion, Grand Palace**, on **Sunday (October 26) from 8am to 12 noon**.
- Royal cremation committee – The Office of the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, has been tasked with forming the Royal Cremation Ceremony Organising Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister. The Permanent Secretary will act as secretary to the committee, and members of the royal family will serve as advisors. Subcommittees will also be appointed to oversee various departments including ceremony organisation, construction of the royal crematorium and chariots, public relations, and security. Government agencies will be instructed to assign officials to attend the daily Abhidhamma prayer ceremonies for 100 days.
- Ministry of Culture – Through the Fine Arts Department, the ministry will be responsible for the ceremonial design and the construction of the Royal Crematorium, under the guidance of the royal advisory body.
- Cabinet Secretariat – Cabinet members will take turns attending the daily Abhidhamma prayers throughout the period of the royal ceremonies.
- Ministry of Interior and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration – Both agencies are to organise public activities to honour Her Majesty and provide opportunities for the public to participate in merit-making and remembrance ceremonies.
- Public Relations Department – The department will lead the dissemination of information about the royal duties and lifelong contributions of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare official English translations for international audiences.
The government said the public will be kept informed of further details regarding the royal funeral proceedings as arrangements are finalised.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother was deeply revered for her lifelong dedication to the nation, particularly in promoting Thai arts, culture, and social welfare. The government urged all people to join in expressing their loyalty and gratitude for her tireless service to the Kingdom.