Thailand begins mourning for Princess Bajrakitiyabha

The Cabinet has ordered government agencies, state enterprises and educational institutions nationwide to observe a 15-day mourning period following the passing of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati.

The public, however, may continue their daily lives as normal, as festive events and entertainment activities have not been banned, according to the government.

Speaking after a special Cabinet meeting at Government House today, Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had called the urgent meeting following the Royal Household Bureau's official announcement of the Princess's passing.

Before the meeting began, the prime minister and Cabinet members stood in silence to pay tribute to and mourn the Princess.

Rachada said the Cabinet had instructed relevant agencies to prepare the royal funeral rites in a manner befitting the highest traditions of the royal family.

The Prime Minister's Office has issued two key directives, effective June 12.

Under the directives, all government offices, state enterprises, public agencies and educational institutions must lower national flags to half-mast, while civil servants, state enterprise employees and public officials are required to observe the 15-day mourning period.

Members of the public are invited to observe mourning as they deem appropriate.

A special committee overseeing the royal funeral arrangements will be established, chaired by the prime minister.

The permanent secretary of the PM's Office will serve as committee member and secretary, while members of the royal family will be invited to act as advisers.

Subcommittees will also be formed to oversee various aspects of the rites, including general administration, the construction of the royal crematorium (Phra Merumas), the preparation of royal chariots and palanquins, public relations and security.

Government agencies have also been instructed to attend the daily royal Abhidhamma prayers for 100 days.

The Ministry of Culture's Fine Arts Department will oversee the design of the funeral procession and ceremonies, as well as the construction of the royal crematorium.

The Secretariat of the Cabinet will organise a roster for Cabinet members to attend the chanting rites.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will organise merit-making activities to enable members of the public to pay their respects.

The Public Relations Department (PRD) will continuously broadcast programmes related to the late Princess's royal duties and coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide English-language translations.

In addition, the Ministry of Public Health will deploy mobile medical units and work with volunteers, foundations, private-sector organisations and local hospitals to provide round-the-clock medical support during the events.

Tomorrow, members of the public will be able to pay their respects and pour ceremonial water before a portrait of the late Princess Bajrakitiyabha at the Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion inside the Grand Palace from 8.30am until noon.

The prime minister will lead the Cabinet in attending the ceremony beginning at 8.30am.