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Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, far right, presides yesterday over the placing of the main post of the crematorium for the funeral of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana. Above left, Samak inspects the plan of the crematorium, which is expected to be completed
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ROYAL CREMATION
Auspicious beginning
A sudden change in the weather at yesterday's erection of corner stones at the royal crematorium is being described by witnesses as a "good omen".
Published on March 29, 2008
The ceremony at Sanam Luang started off in glaring sunlight, but cloud cover and a cooling breeze soon appeared. The crematorium is for the funeral of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, which will take place in November. The Fine Arts Department aims to finish the crematorium in September. Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej presided over the 9am Brahman ritual ceremony. The Princess's grandson First Lieutenant Jitat Sornsongkram attended. Brahman ritual leader Phra Rajaguru Wam Thepmuni says worshipers turned to the north, a direction pointing to the mythical mountain Phra Sumen, where gods reside. They asked for permission to build the crematorium and its associated structures. Arts department chief Kriengkrai Sampatchalit says builders will erect the crematorium while the Architecture Bureau and the Traditional Arts Office will add decoration and other essential items. Construction is on schedule. The restoration of royal chariots will be complete ahead of this to allow for funeral-procession rehearsals. The department will hold tours for students and the public to observe the construction and view exhibits, he says.
By Pakamard Jaichalard Daily Xpress
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