Stories tagged with family
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Thailand unites to pay final respects
Millions of people throughout Thailand paid their final respects to Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Saturday evening. The revered Thai Princess died ten months ago. A massive 14-tonne gilded chariot with the urn containing the Royal Princess’s body was pulled through the royal grounds surrounded by decorated troops, courtiers and royal umbrellas.
The elaborate ceremony, costing an estimated nine million dollars, was broadcast on nearly every major Thai television station throughout the country. Cannons boomed and tears fell as people crowded around temples and televisions throughout the countryside. Major temples around the Thai Kingdom held services to pay respect the Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.
Ancient music echoed through the streets as the body made its way to the funeral pyre that stood 39 meters high, and was modeled after Mount Meru, the mythical Buddhist site considered to be the center of the universe. His Majesty the King arrived in full decoration surrounded by his family to begin the cremation ceremony. The Thai Kingdom, in the midst of recent political turmoil, showed steadfast solidarity during the ceremony honoring the late princess.
Posted by: Andrew on 17 Nov 2008, 10:38