The area where the funeral of late Thai King Bhumibol Aduyadej – Rama IX will be held (Photo: VNA) Bangkok (VNA) – The funeral of late Thai King Bhumibol Aduyadej – Rama IX started in the capital city of Bangkok on October 25.
The five-day funeral is chaired by King Maha Vajiralongkorn – Rama X. The royal cremation will take place on October 26. The event is estimated to cost about 3 billion THB (90 million USD).
All activities in historical areas of Bangkok will be halted on the day of cremation. Roads surrounding the royal palace will be besieged but there are public vehicles to carry people and visitors to the sites of rituals.
Hundreds of thousands Thai people has gathered in Bangkok to say goodbye to their beloved king. Thai official estimated that about 250,000 people from across the country will attend the funeral.
Although 19 out of 77 localities of Thailand suffered consequences of severe floods during the last two months, Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda said it will not affect the funeral.
According to the Thai Government, members of royal families and representatives from over 40 countries will participate in the cremation on October 26. A Vietnamese delegation to the event will be led by Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh.
King Bhumibol Abdulyadej passed away on October 13, 2016, at the age of 88 after nearly seven decades of reigning Thailand.-VNA
