Dear Thai people,

 

Now, the Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been completed with the highest honours, and through the cooperation of the Thai people, as it has been our highest responsibility and honour in bidding this final farewell, and sending His Majesty the late King to heaven.

 

The Government and the Organising Committee are most grateful to His Majesty the King for graciously providing valuable guidance and solutions on a number of matters, thus making it possible for the event to proceed without hindrances. His Majesty the King had expressed His concern for all the officials and the people, with regards to nourishment, weather conditions, transportation, and participation in the Royal Cremation Ceremony, and His Majesty graciously consented for the construction of replica crematoriums in every province, along with the distribution of the Royal cremation flame to all provincial governors and the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, so that it can be the initial ritual flame for corresponding ceremonies in the country and abroad.

 

In addition, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn had graciously accepted to be the Chairperson of Advisors for the Organising Committee, and presided over many meetings, including overseeing and following up on many details, while also providing approaches and guidance on a number of matters. By the grace of His Majesty and Her Royal Highness, the Royal Cremation Ceremony was successfully completed in splendor and with the highest honours, which was also beneficial to the preservation and continuation of our cultural and traditional heritage.

 

The Government and the Organising Committee wishes to thank all the architects, engineers, craftsmen, builders, carpenters, artisans, and artists, as well as the volunteers, for their work in building and caring for the Royal Crematorium, the Royal Chariots and Palanquins,  and all the special items that were used for the Royal Cremation Ceremony. It represented the finest collection of architecture, fine arts, and craftsmanship, and was highly appreciated by His Majesty, other monarchs, royals, heads of state, and other high-ranking government representatives who attended the event, not to mention the many admirers from all over the world.

 

The Government wishes to thank all the military, police, and civil officials who were involved with preparations, rehearsals, and in looking after over ten million people who came to pay their respects at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the past year. This includes facilitating the public and maintaining security and orderliness in the country, particularly around the venues of the Royal Cremation Ceremony, replica crematoriums across the country, and other places where the public went to lay sandalwood flowers. The Government also thanks all the volunteers, including the official volunteers, who took part and supported our officials. Importantly, we thank the Thai people in the country and around the world who took part by organising their own events, and for corresponding to the recommendations set out by the government and other official agencies. We are also thankful for the admirable expressions of homage by the media, athletes, and artists – all because we were of the same heart during this solemn occasion for the Thai nation.

 

At this moment, His Majesty the King has graciously consented for the organisation of an exhibition about the Royal Crematorium at Sanam Luang Ceremonial Grounds from 2 -30 November 2017, before it is to be disassembled.  The Government wishes to invite the Thai people to visit this exhibition to learn about the Royal Crematorium, the Royal Cremation Ceremony, along with the many Royal Activities undertaken by King Rama IX, so that we can capture the essence of this historic event and pass it on to future generations.

 

Dear Thai people,

 

The Royal Funeral has ended, the sandalwood flowers have been offered, millions of blooming marigolds across the country may have withered, and mourning colours have been removed. However, King Rama IX’s teachings, the King’s Philosophy, and the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, including over 4000 Royal projects that His Majesty the King will carry on with, shall forever be remembered and espoused by us to honour the legacy King Rama IX in the most fitting way, for our own blessing, and to serve as the enduring strengths for our nation.

 

We humbly ask for the blessing of the benevolence of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Her Majesty the Queen of the Ninth Reign, and His Majesty the King, to remain supreme and protect over the Thai nation and the Thai people, so that we, as most loyal subjects, will have the strength to carry on, according to Their Majesties aspirations, with lasting tranquility and happiness.