Royal crematorium to be equipped with elevators

The elevators will be for the use of Their Majesties the King and the Queen, as well as other Royal Family members.

"We will ensure the elevators blend with the traditional architecture," said Arak Sunghitakul, the head of the crematorium's engineering team.

He said elegance, safety and convenience were the priorities for the elevators.

The Princess passed away on January 2 aged 84. She was the beloved sister of His Majesty and a great contributor to society.

Arak said the government would employ a private contractor to construct the royal crematorium through the specialprocurement method.

"This company must have skilled workers and artisans to construct it based on our designs," Arak said. He said there were about five such companies in the country.

According to Arak, Fine Arts Department directorgeneral Kriengkrai Sampatchalit would call for bids.

"Then, experienced experts and I will supervise the construction," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham said preparations for the Princess's royal cremation were progressing well and were ready to be handed to the new government.

After the Election Commission endorsed the results of December's election, a new government is being formed. His Majesty the King has signed a royal command appointing Yongyuth Tiyapairat as the House Speaker, and Somsak Kiartsuranon and Apiwan Wiriyachai as his deputies.

In a related development, the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall yesterday opened to members of the public from 7.50am to accommodate mourners gathering since dawn.

The Princess is lying in state at the hall where crowds throng to pay their respects.