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Published on January 3, 2008

It was a sharp transition from a polarised split among voters as everyone united in sorrow to pay tribute to a woman considered a guiding light to the nation and a great pillar of strength for the Royal Family.

People wore black everywhere. Politicians from warring parties suspended their activities to express deep sadness in her passing.

The private sector willingly cancelled many high-profile events to mark her departure.

All TV channels aired special programmes about the Princess, who had been receiving treatment at Siriraj Hospital since June 15 last year.

As the Princess's body was moved to the Grand Palace, many mourners were seen crying uncontrollably as they stood still or knelt, with their hands making a wai, along the route from the hospital to the palace.

"I feel sorrow about the Princess and for His Majesty. If giving my life was able to save her, I would gladly make the sacrifice," said 60-year-old Lamduan, who left her hometown in Chiang Rai to spend two months in Bangkok to give support to the ailing princess.

His Majesty, who was regularly at the side of his sister over the past two months, later granted permission for the public to take part in the bathing rites at Saha Thai Samakhom Pavilion at the Grand Palace.

Conducted before a portrait of the Princess, the rites were held from 1pm to 5pm with thousands of people queuing to pay their respects.

At around 5pm, Their Majesties the King and Queen performed the final rites for the Princess at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace.

His Majesty appeared greatly saddened while Her Majesty's eyes were filled with tears.

The Princess' body was placed under a white five-tier Umbrella of Kingship, with full royal colours. Her body will be kept there for 100 days, so Buddhist prayers will be held both during day and night during this period.

Royal Family members, court officials and Cabinet members will wear black for 100 days too.

The government has formed a national committee to take charge of the Princess's funeral, led by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont with Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda as adviser.

Civil servants and politicians have now been instructed to wear black for 15 days.

National flags will fly at half mast at all state agencies and Thai embassies, as celebratory events and other functions are cancelled.

Night entertainment venues have been asked not to operate during the 15-day period.

In Nakhon Sawan, 17-year-old Nattawan Marksornthong attended a public bathing rite for the Princess. "I've seen that she worked really hard for the Thai people. I love her so much," Nattawan said. "I'm so sad that she is gone."

Nursing student Raweewan Trinet, 17, was grief-stricken, as were all her classmates when they arrived to pay respects.

In the central province of Angthong, 67-year-old Tawee Rojbua said she would make merit in the morning for the Princess.

"Upon hearing she had passed away, I just wept," she said.

In Chachoengsao, 21-year-old Saowanee Treewattananont said the news came as a shock. "She has always been so kind and gracious," she said, "She will be fondly remembered by all."

Public members can pay their respects by signing a condolence book at Saha Thai Samakhom Pavilion from today until next Wednesday, from 9am to 5pm.

The Nation