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Published on January 23, 2008

In ancient times, wood logs were used as pillars, beams and foundation for such a construction. "Wood is rare these days," Arak Sunghitakul, chairman of the engineering team for the construction of the royal crematorium, said yesterday. The Princess, elder sister of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, passed away at the age of 84 on January 2.

Arak said the iron structures would all be covered with plywood to ensure that the crematorium looked as though it was entirely made of wood.

He said Brahmin priests from the Royal Household Bureau would conduct a ritual to select the main pillar for the structure.

In a related development, many important figures yesterday showed up at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to pay respect to the body of the Princess.

Among the mourners were Swedish Ambassador Lennart Linner, Sai Jai Thai Foundation's executive Thanpuying Issara Buranasiri and Royal Institute president Chaianan Samudvanija. Linner brought with him royal garlands from the King and Queen of Sweden.

The Nation