BANGKOK — Thailand is stepping up preparations for the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, with government agencies working to complete the ceremonial site, restore royal chariots and coordinate nationwide arrangements ahead of the planned rites in December.
The preparations are entering a critical stage as Thailand gets ready for the royal cremation ceremony scheduled for mid-December 2026, following Queen Sirikit’s death in October 2025 at the age of 93. The Bureau of the Royal Household announced her death on Oct. 24, 2025, and said the King had ordered a royal funeral with the highest honors according to royal tradition.
Royal Crematorium Construction Nears Completion
One of the most visible elements of the preparations is the construction of the royal crematorium, or Phra Merumas, at Sanam Luang in Bangkok.
Thai authorities have targeted October 2026 for completion of the main construction and related ceremonial structures. Earlier progress reports said the project was already more than 90% complete by July.
The project includes the main royal crematorium and supporting structures needed for the elaborate traditional ceremonies.
Government officials have continued inspecting the construction to ensure the work remains on schedule and meets the architectural and ceremonial requirements associated with a royal cremation.
Royal Chariots and Palanquins Also Being Prepared
The preparations extend beyond Sanam Luang.
Historic royal chariots and palanquins used in the funeral procession have undergone restoration and conservation work.
The Phra Maha Phichai Ratcharot, one of Thailand’s most important royal funeral chariots, has been reported to be nearing completion following restoration work. The restoration forms part of the wider preparations for the ceremonial procession.
Authorities have also been preparing personnel and conducting planning for the procession and other ceremonial duties.
Government Agencies Coordinate Nationwide Preparations
The preparations involve multiple government bodies rather than a single agency.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as interior minister, has instructed officials to ensure that preparations are carried out in an orderly manner and with appropriate dignity.
The government has been coordinating work involving local administrations, security authorities, transportation agencies and other departments responsible for supporting the royal ceremonies.
Bangkok authorities are separately preparing locations, security arrangements and traffic management along the routes associated with the royal procession.
Public Ceremonies Are Also Being Organized
Preparations are not limited to the capital.
Thailand’s Interior Ministry has been organizing arrangements for public floral tribute ceremonies across the country, allowing members of the public to participate in commemorative activities connected with the royal cremation.
The government is also coordinating procedures for provincial participation and ceremonial observances.
The official public-relations center established for the royal cremation has been providing information and training for officials who will be involved in reporting and communicating details of the ceremony.
Recent training has included guidance on royal terminology, broadcasting procedures, ceremonial protocols and information concerning the architecture of the royal crematorium.
A Ceremony Rooted in Thai Royal Tradition
A royal cremation ceremony in Thailand involves a series of highly formal religious, cultural and state ceremonies.
The preparations therefore require attention not only to construction but also to traditional architecture, ceremonial objects, procession routes, security and public access.
The Fine Arts Department has been involved in construction and restoration work, while other agencies are responsible for logistics, security and public coordination.
The scale of the preparations reflects the ceremonial importance attached to the royal funeral.
What Happens Before December?
With the main construction targeted for completion in October, officials will have additional time to conduct inspections, rehearsals and final preparations before the December ceremonies.
The restoration of the royal chariots and other ceremonial equipment is also expected to support rehearsal of the procession.
Authorities are simultaneously preparing Bangkok’s transportation and security systems to accommodate the expected activities surrounding the ceremony.
The government has emphasized that preparations should proceed smoothly and in accordance with established royal traditions.
Thailand Enters the Final Preparation Phase
Queen Sirikit, who was born on Aug. 12, 1932, served as Queen of Thailand from 1950 until the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016 and subsequently held the title Queen Mother.
Following her death in October 2025, the Bureau of the Royal Household announced that her remains would lie in state at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall within the Grand Palace compound, while the King ordered a royal funeral with the highest honors.
Nearly a year later, preparations for the final royal rites are moving toward their concluding stages.
With the royal crematorium approaching its planned October completion and nationwide logistical preparations already underway, Thailand is now entering the final stretch before the royal cremation ceremonies scheduled for December.
