Civil workers clear an area in Sanam Luang on Nov 3 to make way for the building of the royal pyre for King Bhumibol Adulyadej's cremation next year. (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)Authorities will begin building the funeral pyre for late King Bhumibol Adulyadej next year, the government said on Monday, adding 8,000 people will be involved in the cremation ceremony. Daily Buddhist funeral rites have been held for the king at the Grand Palace in Bangkok but a royal cremation will not take place for at least another year. The first meeting of the royal pyre-building committee will be held next Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Thanasak Patimaprakorn said on Monday. Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn said a committee had been set up to oversee construction of the king's cremation pyre in a 74.5-rai Sanam Luang public square in front of the palace.

Source: Bangkok Post November 21, 2016 08:39 UTC