BANGKOK: Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej will receive a lavish send-off this week during a spectacular five-day funeral centered around a cremation at a gilded pyre in Bangkok’s historic heart on Thursday. Here’s a few things to know about the funeral of a king revered as a demi-god who reigned for seven decades. Bhumibol’s body is kept in a separate coffin to the symbolic Royal Urn, which will be carried up a ramp on a golden chariot to the pyre. The following day the Royal Urn will be carried from the Grand Palace by bearers in striking traditional garb, flanked by drummers and soldiers. The funeral procession will be headed by the king, Rama X, with his sister Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn leading the rest of the royal family.

Source: Manila Times October 24, 2017 14:48 UTC