Navy assists royal funeral

Director-general Kriangkrai Sampatchalit said he had also requested the Navy to provide a large rope that would be used by 206 men to pull the Phra Maha Phichai Ratcharote Chariot, which will carry the body of the Princess from the Grand Palace to the royal crematorium now being constructed on Sanam Luang.

The rope will also be used with another chariot - Phra Wetcha Yanta Ratcharote - that will be involved in a process to move the body during the funeral service.

"We have asked the Royal Thai Navy, as the expert where roping and knotting is needed with large and heavy objects, for help," Kriangkrai said.

Fifteen craftsmen the from Bundit Phatthana Silp Institute, have been selected to do artwork on four screens that will be used during the funeral procession. Each of the folding screens will contain images of guardian angles and a type of tree leaf that will be also imprinted on the royal urn.

Department deputy director-general Somlak Jaroenpoj said the details regarding the funeral were being documented to be officially recorded in the Siam Almanac. The number of Almanac copies to be printed will be determined at a later date.

The Nation