Some held a mock-up of a golden urn that had held the remains of dead kings in the past. Others held gold-framed portraits of the late king. The military government has set 3 billion baht (£68 million) aside for the lavish funeral. That public relations drive helped to enshrine the king’s status as a demi-god among some of his 68 million subjects. His only son King Maha Vajiralongkorn formally ascended the throne last year but his coronation will not take place until after his father’s funeral.

Source: Dhaka Tribune October 21, 2017 02:37 UTC