Stories tagged with princess
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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 -
Old Phuket Festival canceled
The Old Phuket Festival has been canceled as Thailand mourns the passing of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana on January 2. The festival was originally scheduled to take place during February 13 to 15 along Thalang Road in Phuket Town.
The cancellation of the festival follows the 15-day period of national mourning which was announced by the Royal Household Bureau on January 2. During the mourning period, all government officers and teachers are to wear black.
The government has also asked for public events to be toned down across the country, or put on hold, for 100 days while vigil is kept over Princess Galyani’s body.
Those in the entertainments industry were also asked to observe the mourning period.
Deputy Mayor of Phuket City Municipality, Kawee Tansukkatanont, said that the committee agreed unanimously to cancel the festival this year.
He added, ‘we plan to hold the festival as usual next year, although a date has not yet been set.’
The Old Phuket Festival 2008 would have been the 10th annual festival.
However, a Sino-Portuguese photo exhibition at Thai Hua Museum in Phuket Town on Chinese New Year will go ahead on February 13 to 15 as scheduled.
Entry will be free of charge.
Thai culture Phuket
Posted by: Andrew on 16 Jan 2008, 00:35 -
Classical music conservatory in name of Princess
A classical music conservatory is to be built on the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok in honour of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, who had a passion for classical music.
Culture Minister, Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon, announced the site on January 3, 2007 after the chosen site was approved by the cabinet on December 25 and one day after the Princess’ death.
The 14-rai plot of land overlooks Chao Phraya river near Rama VIII bridge and once served as the Bang Yi Khan whiskey distillery, owned by the Industry Ministry. The building is listed as a historical site by the Fine Arts Department.
The object of the music conservatory is to realize the late Princess’ desire to create home-grown classical musicians. The institute would offer classical music lessons for all levels, from beginners to advanced level.
The idea was approved by the Princess back in June 2006 after ministry proposed the site, one year before she was admitted to hospital with abdominal cancer.
Along with the conservatory and auditorium, the ministry also plans to include a museum in the set up to display the Princess' life, work and her charity projects. The museum will be in a colonial style.
The cost of the project is 810.5 million baht and the institute is expected to open by 2010.
More on the Thai Monarchy
Posted by: Andrew on 04 Jan 2008, 04:44 -
Thailand mourns a princess
The people of Thailand awoke to the sad but not unexpected news on January second that the aging Princess Galyani Vadhana, older sister of the present King, had finally passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer.
All flags were flown at half mast and all government officials ordered to participate in 15 days of mourning, including subdued activities and wearing black clothing. The Eighty-four year old, sister to two kings in her life-time, was much loved by the Thai public for her charity work.
Although all entertainment won’t be banned during the period, and tourists not too inconvenienced, visitors to Thailand will be able to witness the extraordinary outpouring of love the public has for its monarchy. Thousands turned out at the hospital to pay their last respects, while bathing rites were conducted Tuesday and Wednesday. Her Royal Highness is now lying in state at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall of the Grand Palace.
TV programming was dominated by remembrance documentaries celebrating a life in which she was an important patron of classical music in Thailand and set up a foundation for doctors to better reach the people.
Tourists wishing to visit the Grand Palace might experience some crowding and are advised to enter via the entrance opposite the Ministry of Defence. All visitors are also advised to behave with restraint and respect when encountering any memorial events to the princess, as the people of Thailand are extremely sensitive to protocol involving the monarchy.
Thailand’s monarchy is much respected and beloved by all Thais, particularly with the King reach 80 years of age on December 5th and holding the honour of being the world’s longest reigning monarch – a total of 61 years. The funeral is likely to be one of the most emotional events Thailand has experienced in recent years.
More on the Thai Monarchy
Posted by: Andrew on 03 Jan 2008, 16:34