Bangkok: The Cabinet has resolved to establish eight committees to organize the royal funeral ceremonies for Her Majesty the Queen Mother.
According to Thai News Agency, the government emphasized that while it will not prohibit any ceremonies, it urges appropriateness to prevent disruptions to people's lives and businesses. The government refrains from recommending any political activities during this time, stressing the need to consider the festival's timing, location, and national context.
Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram commented that the royal merit-making ceremonies for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, are organized to express condolences and honor her appropriately. These ceremonies will follow a scheduled order, beginning with the seven-day Sattamawar ceremony on October 30th, followed by the 15th-day Pannasamwara, the 50th-day Panyasamwara, and the 100th-day Stamawara ceremonies. The government plans to hold events at central, regional, and international levels, with relevant agencies collaborating to ensure smooth operations.
Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak Uwanno announced the Cabinet's decision to appoint eight committees related to the Royal Cremation Ceremony. Sophon Saram will chair the Ceremony Organizing Committee. Other committees include those chaired by General Nattapol Nakphanit for organizing the Royal Procession and various ceremonies, and Mr. Bowornsak himself for the construction of the Royal Crematorium and restoration of royal artifacts.
Additional committees include the Public Relations Committee chaired by Ms. Supamas Issaraphakdi, the Traffic Safety Committee chaired by Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, and the Committee for the Preparation of Chronicles and Memorial Books led by Ms. Sabida Thaiset. The Committee on Budget Scrutiny will be chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office. A coordination center for the royal cremation ceremony, chaired by Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul, has also been established.
Mr. Bowornsak further noted that the Cabinet has tasked him, along with the Royal Society and relevant parties, to collaborate with the Bureau of the Royal Household and academics to review the terminology related to the royal ceremony to ensure consistency and appropriateness.
He clarified that the Cabinet did not ban any events and urged the public to engage in suitable activities to commemorate the Queen Mother's kindness. He addressed inaccuracies on social media and emphasized the government's intent not to disrupt public life or business.
In response to inquiries about political activities during this period, Mr. Bowornsak refrained from recommending any actions, suggesting that individuals consider the timing and occasion. Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul encouraged government agencies and individuals to participate in the "Power of Loyalty" movement, with submissions of event photos to be compiled and archived by the National Archives of Thailand.