The funeral of the King of Thailand in October. Rules and recommendations for tourists

Here's everything you need to know about Bhumibol Adulyadej's cremation ceremony

Almost a year has passed since the death of King Rama IX, who passed away on October 13, 2016. He was the most revered king of Thailand, and the nation's sadness is immeasurable and continues to this day. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people queued in the heat and rain to pay tribute to their beloved monarch in the throne room of the Grand Royal Palace in Bangkok. Almost a year later, many Thais and foreigners working in government organizations and enterprises still wear black clothes as a sign of mourning for the departed ruler.

Soon there will be a day in Thailand that no one wants. The funeral, namely the cremation ceremony of King Bhumibol. Many tourists ask how the King's funeral will affect their vacation in Thailand, how to behave at this time and whether it is worth going to Thailand at this time?

Facts about the Cremation ceremony of the King of Thailand

• October 13 is a new date in the calendar, marking the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
• The royal funeral will take place from 25 to 29 October 2017.
• The actual cremation ceremony will take place on Thursday 26 October 2017.
• October 26, 2017 is declared a public holiday so that people can attend the funeral.
• Tourists can visit the Grand Palace to commemorate the King until September 30th.
• The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be closed to the public, including tourists, from October 1 to October 29, 2017. Both of these locations will open on October 30, 2017.
• On October 7, 15 and 21, rehearsals for the royal procession will take place at Sanam Luang Square. It will probably be possible to observe and photograph, subject to the dress code.
• The Royal Crematorium at Sanam Luang will be open to visitors from November 1st to 30th from 7am to 10pm.
• BTS Skytrain in Bangkok will be free all day on October 26th. On October 25 and 27, free rides will be on routes from On Nut to Samrong and Wongwian Yai to Bang Wa.
• The BRT bus service from Sathon to Ratchapreuk will be free from 25 to 27 October 2017.

Funeral Schedule

the 25th of October: A Royal Merit Ceremony will take place to mark the start of the Royal Cremation Ceremony at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Room in the Grand Palace.

October 26: the body of the late King will be transferred from the Throne Room to the Royal Crematorium in Sanam Luang, where a cremation ceremony will take place.

27th October: after the cremation, a ceremony of collecting the royal relics of the late King will take place in the royal crematorium.

28 of October: a ritual ceremony for royal relics will take place in the Throne Room of Dusit Maha Prasat.

29th of October: At 10:30 am, a ceremony will be held to secure the royal relics in the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Room, and the late king's ashes will be kept separately in the two temples Wat Rajabopit and Wat Bowon Niwet.

FAQ

Question: Can I attend the funeral of the King of Thailand?
Answer: Literally hundreds of thousands of people will attend the funeral of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Be sure to respect the dress code, and then you can be present near the site of the cremation ceremony. However, it is unlikely that you will be able to get to the real ceremony, which will only be available by special invitations.

Question: Can I take pictures of the Royal Family and the King of Thailand's Funeral Ceremony?
Answer: Definitely not, you cannot. You must be an accredited media representative to be able to take photographs at the funeral of the King of Thailand. Not all foreign journalists working in the kingdom are willing to apply for such a permit.

Question: Will clubs and bars be closed during the funeral of the King of Thailand?
Answer: There is no official message about this yet, but it is possible that on October 26 there will be a ban on the sale of alcohol. In fact, the cremation ceremony will take place in the evening, so it is unlikely that the bars will be allowed to work. It is also possible that there may be a ban on the sale of alcohol during the main three days of the funeral, October 25-27. We will update this information when official announcements become available.

Question: Do tourists need to wear black during the funeral of the King of Thailand?
Answer: You must adhere to the dress code, which is to be dressed in black or gray, if you intend to attend events associated with the King's funeral in Sanam Luang or attend one of the many ceremonies that will be held these days throughout the country.

Question: Will shopping malls be closed during the funeral of the King of Thailand?
Answer: Large shops in Thailand rarely close. Nothing has been officially announced, most likely the stores will continue to work as before. However, in the evening, at the time of cremation, you are unlikely to find many visitors in the shopping centers of the country. Most people will watch the royal burial at home on TV.

Question: Will the Grand Royal Palace be open during the funeral of the King of Thailand?
Answer: It has been officially announced that the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Royal Palace in Bangkok will be closed to the public throughout October, and will reopen at the end of the month.

Question: Will there be temples open near the Grand Palace, such as the Reclining Buddha and the Temple of Dawn?
Answer: It is likely that they will be open as usual.

Question: Should you come to Bangkok for the funeral of the King of Thailand?
Answer: Bangkok is a big city and there is no reason to avoid it. However, it is understandable that there will be a mass gathering of people on the approaches to Sanam Luang Square, the site of the royal crematorium. Especially on October 26, 2017. This also applies to the famous Khao San Road, there will definitely be a lot of people here.

Question: Will public transportation in Bangkok such as skytrain, buses and boats be available as usual?
Answer: Oh sure. Moreover, some services will be either free or will operate at discounted rates. More information about the change in public transport routes in Bangkok can be found here:.

Unlike Russia, in Thailand people retire at 55 - men and women. It is not customary for them to complain about life, because it is just beginning: the children have grown up and have moved out of the house, and to babysit their grandchildren - once a week.

Thai old people have their own clubs of interest, and these hobbies are very risky.

1 The last floor of one of the Bangkok skyscrapers v. Long corridor, plastic chairs and large windows, behind which there are several restaurants and a club of interests.

2 The cover of this place is like a nursing home - elderly Chinese come to play chess.

3 And some of them really play.

4 Sometimes it even wins.

5 But most of the old people come here for completely different entertainments.

6 Outwardly, everything looks decent: just a restaurant, tables. The grandfathers came to dine with their granddaughters or nieces. Sitting side by side, talking ...

7 But if you look closely, each grandfather has a “granddaughter”. No outsiders. Or they sit and wait alone. The girls do not keep themselves waiting, they sit down.

8 Do not be captivated by the innocence of the situation and the venerable age of the clients, they did not come here to eat dumplings. It's just that the Chinese mentality and the past years do not allow you to immediately drag the girl to bed.

9 “Matrons” sit at a separate table: not everyone loves young people.

10 For some reason I felt disgusted after visiting this brothel for old people, although I did not see anything dirty there. But the next place will be even more controversial.

11 By the way, one of the best views of Bangkok opens up from the roof of the old man's fornication!

12 If you want to visit this place, write to my friend Anton Dryanichkin, he will take.

13 This is much cooler than paid observation platforms.

14 Through the gardens of Chinatowns, stumbling from Thai cats, I make my way to the old cemetery.

15 The houses are so old that sand falls from them and trees grow.

16 You cannot saw them on pain of death, this is a banyan tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment! It happens that an angel lives on a tree, and then he needs to be worshiped. Thais quickly build an altar and bring a red phantom there. I was told a story that when Coca-Cola launched this drink in Thailand, the locals didn't like it and sales failed. Then marketers launched an ad where a Thai buys a red Phanta in a perfume house, and the next day he wakes up rich and happy. Now red soda is the most popular in the country, and people don't drink it. This is for the spirits!

17 Nice city park. Fit Thais and Chinese run and play sports. They are great, and I am not very good.

18 Here is the grandfather swinging to visit the brothel under the roof.

19 See what's back there?

20 The city park and outdoor trainers are right in the graveyard! In Russia, this alone would be a reason for indignation. But the Thais went further.

21 Here they built gazebos and opened summer cafes where you can eat, but above all sing.

22 Remember the deceased with a good song - it's so Thai!

23 They really don't see anything wrong with that. But they will certainly find it shameful for the Russian tradition to eat and drink at the graves of relatives ...

24 How do you like traditions?

Did you like the post? Like it and write a comment. Tomorrow at 10 am there will be a new post - alas, not about Thailand. But if you want more about this country -

The ashes are placed in urns and kept in the house. For this, a small room is allocated, where guests are not allowed, only relatives. Offerings are brought to the dead, incense is burned.

Thais strongly believe in reincarnation, so the death of loved ones is not such a grief as it is for us.

The deceased is washed only by close relatives, then he is transported to the monastery and 4 monks read prayers around the clock. The family of the deceased feeds these monks, as well as those who come to say goodbye to the deceased. And everyone can come, including those who have not seen the deceased in their eyes during his lifetime, that is, to eat)) Therefore, poor families keep the deceased for 1, maximum 2 days. Whereas the rich are up to 7 days. Then the body is cremated, right there in the monastery. If someone from the royal family is buried, then the crematorium is no longer used after that.

Those who have money bring ashes to temples and erect a pagoda. Those who are poorer are put in common pagodas, like a mass grave. There are a large number of pagodas on the territory of any temple. They are very beautiful: a cone-shaped structure, all in a bright mosaic. Ashes are laid in the foundation.

And they can also marry a dead girlfriend)

In Thailand, near every residential building or institution, there is always a small house for the Gods.
In this country Buddhism and Hinduism, Islamism calmly coexist.
Initially Siam professed Hinduism, worshiped many gods. When Buddha came, he asked the gods to allow him to take 3 steps around him. The gods, of course, allowed it. Just think 3 steps around you. BUT!!! They did not know what are the steps of the Buddha. Having already made 2 steps, he went through the whole earth and sky. The gods prayed: - And where do we live ?! To which the Buddha replied: - Live next to people, let them build houses for you and take care of you!))
How and where to install a house is a whole science! Before entering the house, a specially trained person is called in to find a place for the house. It is important that the shadow from the house does not fall on it and vice versa.

Thais believe in gods. They bring food, gifts and incense 3 times a day !!! It is believed that if you do not put up a house, then things will not go well, business will burn out and all the misfortunes of the world will fall on your head. There are specialized shops selling houses. Prices vary from 1-2 thousand baht to 50-70 or even 100 thousand. The house looks like a square coffee table with a high leg and a roof on 4 supports, naturally in an oriental style))) another "coffee table", but without a roof. Offerings are placed on it.
Moreover, these houses often look more beautiful than the dwelling itself)))

Welcome to TOP TAI website!

Providing complete comfort to all those who come to rest or stay in Thailand is our main mission. But who said that comfort should be expensive and with the involvement of intermediaries? In our activity, we strive to dispel such prejudice, providing our clients only the most profitable and interesting offers. We also work directly with tenants, and do not use the services of intermediaries. Our main activity is the rental and sale of real estate in Koh Samui. For more than 3 years, we have already been able to meet the expectations of more than 250 of our clients, and each of them has found their real home here. In addition to finding and providing villas to those who come to Koh Samui for a short vacation or long stay, we are also ready to offer any other types of services that are related to ensuring comfort and leisure on Koh Samui: * Transport rental on Koh Samui: car, SUV, motorcycle, aquabike and any other means of transport * Cash transfers around the island and beyond * Organization of entertainment events: weddings, birthdays, corporate parties, etc. * Other types of private services: photographer, tattoo artist, veterinarian. When planning to visit Koh Samui, you can be absolutely sure that you will find a reliable ally and guide in the person of TOP TAI. Choose one of our services in advance, or arrange everything upon arrival in Koh Samui. TOP TAI - organizing the perfect holiday and paradise living on Koh Samui! Holidays on the islands of Thailand have become very popular today. This subtropical country located in the southeast of Asia is a real paradise for everyone who loves exotic nature, gentle sea and new discoveries! In this respect, the island of Koh Samui is an ideal place for everyone who wants to fully experience the flavor of a distant country. Renting houses and villas on Samui for a short period will be an excellent option for those who would like to feel "at home" here. Renting a private home on Koh Samui will cost you less than renting a hotel room, this is obvious. Another clear advantage of renting is the possibility of creating a private area for relaxation with your beloved company, the whole family or for a honeymoon. On our website you will find a complete list of the best houses and villas for rent on Koh Samui. Renting a house without intermediaries is where the perfect vacation in Thailand begins! Welcome!

Almost 12 months ago, ruler Rama IX, beloved by all the inhabitants of Thailand, passed away. He died on October 13, 2016. The sadness of the Thai people is endless and it lasts to this day. More than a million people came to the throne room of the king's palace in the capital of the state, Bangkok, to say goodbye to the beloved monarch. Even now, in October 2017, a significant number of residents and guests of the country wear mourning clothes as a sign of mourning for Bhumibon Adulyadej.

The date is approaching, which no one wants to wait - the day of the funeral - the ceremonial burning of the King's body. Many tourists are interested in how much the ceremony will affect the rest in Thailand and how to behave correctly so as not to show disrespect or ridicule to the inhabitants of the state, and is it worth visiting an Asian country at such a moment in its history?

• October 13 became the new date of mourning in the Thai calendar in honor of the death of the beloved King;
• The funeral of Bhumibol Adulyadej will last 4 days - from 25 to 29 October 2017;
• The ritual of the solemn cremation (burning of the body) itself will be performed in the middle of the week - October 26, 2017;
• This day in Thailand will be officially declared a day off so that all residents can come to the ceremony;
• The Grand Palace of the King will be open only to tourists who wish to honor the memory of the ruler;
• This complex, as well as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, will close their doors to people for the entire second month of autumn (the residence will leave them open only for travelers) and will receive visitors only on its penultimate day;
• On October 7, 15 and 21, trial passes (rehearsals) of the procession will take place on Sanam Luang Square. Most likely, these events can be viewed and photographed, provided that they are in modest mourning clothes;
• The crematorium, which will host the burning of the King's body, will be open throughout November seven days a week, from 7:00 to 22:00;
• There will be no need to pay for travel on the BTS Skytrain systems (metro) on October 26. Also on October 25 and 27, routes between On Nut and Samrong, Wongwian Yai and Bang Wa stations will be open for travel.
• On October 25-27, 2017, BRT bus voyages between Sathon and Ratchapreuk stations will not cost passengers a dime.

Funeral schedule

October 25: Royal Merit will be awarded. This ritual marks the beginning of the body-burning ceremony at the Grand Palace of the rulers of Thailand;

October 26: the body of the deceased monarch, embalmed and placed in a special sarcophagus, will be transferred to Sanam Luang Square, to a structure made of wood, which has been erected on it for a long time;

October 29: at 10.30 a.m. the relics will be anchored in another throne room called Chakri Maha Prasat. The ashes that remained after the burning of the ruler will be divided and transferred in two urns to the temples of Wat Rajabopit and Wat Bovon.

Questions that tourists often ask

Question: Can anyone come to the funeral ceremony of the Thai monarch?

Answer: Yes, the event will be attended by several hundred thousand people. It is only important to wear something modest and preferably black. But the entrance to the burning ritual itself will be allowed only by invitations, which were sent in advance to the higher clergy, officials and close people of the King.

Question: Can every tourist, including myself, take a photo at the funeral ceremony.

Answer: No. Only media representatives who have been accredited by the royal court will be eligible for this.

Question: Will the country's entertainment establishments function on the days of the funeral?

Answer: Officially, their work is not prohibited, but it is likely that in the evenings, on the day of cremation, bars and clubs will be prohibited from opening their doors to visitors, and from October 25 to October 27 a taboo on the sale of alcohol will be introduced.

Question: What clothes are best to wear on the days of the monarch's funeral?

Answer. Wear only black and gray when attending funeral events.

Question: Will shops be allowed to work on the days of solemn ceremonies.

Answer: Most likely yes. Shopping centers in the country never close at all.

Question: How will the temples of the capital of Thailand work?

Answer: All chapels, except for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, will function as usual.

Question: Is it possible and necessary to visit Bangkok at all during all the funeral events?

Answer: The capital of Thailand is always beautiful. But it is worth remembering that a large crowd of people will be at Sanam Luang Square and Khao San Road.

When someone dies in Thailand, it is customary to keep the corpse in the house for 7 days until cremation. For six days, monks come every evening and perform prayers over the deceased. The coffin is usually decorated with garlands and a photograph of the deceased. If the family of the deceased is not wealthy, the corpse can be prepared for incineration a little earlier, between 3 and 7 days. The fact is that the formalin used to embalm the body is not affordable for everyone.

Those invited to the wake are dressed in dark clothes, but a white shirt may be appropriate. Everyone greets each other. Waiters invited to accompany the commemoration offer water or Coca-Cola to those present. During the first six days, monks come to the house every evening at about 19:00. There are usually four of them. But often the number varies depending on the social status of the deceased. For 30 minutes, they say prayers in the Pali language. Then the car delivers them back to the temple. On the seventh day, cremation can be scheduled at any time during the day.

At the commemoration, all guests are treated to food. It is customary to carry on conversations. Many chatter even while reading prayers. Contrary to popular belief, the atmosphere is not so sad, loud tears are not accepted. Family, relatives, neighbors and even unknown people can join the memorial prayers. Sometimes an old respected monk is invited. But then he is only present, not taking part in the ceremony. His presence indicates that the deceased belonged to a high rank.

On the seventh day, according to tradition, a funeral procession is organized. The first in it are the monks, followed by the men and then the women. The men carry the coffin. But in our time, the coffin is often transported to the temple by car.

Then the procession, including the guests, arrives at the temple. Everyone gives gifts and money to the family of the deceased.

In contrast to European countries, the funeral ceremony is not considered a sad event. Everyone is talking. For Buddhists, death is only a transition to the next reincarnation. Cremation is designed to free the spirit of the deceased.

In some families, it is customary to print a small memorial book, which is handed out to guests during the ceremony. This book contains the story of a deceased person, poetry, some personal letters. This custom is highly regarded in Buddhism. Its purpose is to convey the wisdom and knowledge of the deceased to other people. There is even a small memorial book museum in Bangkok's WAT BONIWET temple. For some time now, a dirty business has even grown on this: some people go to the funeral, even if they were not familiar with the deceased, only to get a memorial book and then sell it on a specialized market.

For a lavish funeral, the family of the deceased can invite a traditional Thai orchestra. The musicians play the xylophone or all the instruments of the national gamelan.

In Thailand, the problem of the dead, unclaimed by relatives, is acutely building. If a person did not have relatives, there is no one to pay for their cremation. Cremation of corpses is one of the main aspects of Buddhism, because for believers, the burning of the body is the liberation of the soul, which rushes to heaven and stays there awaiting the next reincarnation.

There are several charities in Thailand that take care of unclaimed bodies and bury them in a private cemetery. Each year, the corpses are then dug up on the appointed day, the monks are invited and a mass burning ceremony is organized. In 1998, during one of these ceremonies, 40,000 remains were burned at once. Due to the general economic downturn, charities currently do not have enough funds to buy land and expand temporary cemeteries. Some hospitals' morgues are overcrowded and their management does not know what to do with unclaimed bodies. There is even talk of allowing incinerators to tackle this problem!

But back to the cremation ceremony. During it, all those present several times fold their hands in a respectful gesture - wai (WAI) - palms are folded together in front of them at neck level. This gesture is repeated several times during the prayers of the monks, reminiscent of the impermanence of life.

For the cremation of corpses in the temples, a crematorium is equipped. It can be identified by its high chimney.

If the temple does not have a specially equipped crematorium on the territory, the corpses are burned in the open air. This action can often be accompanied by rather terrible scenes, when the coffin explodes due to the fire and the dead fall out of it like the living dead. That is why earlier participation in such ceremonies was prohibited for pregnant women, so that the sight of such scenes would not harm the unborn child.

At the funeral of influential people, up to 1000 people or more can simultaneously observe the cremation process. It is always customary to make the "wai" gesture to honor the deceased with an incense stick pressed between the palms. For the dead, one stick is always burned, and for an offering to the Buddha - three.

After 100 days from the date of death, the moment comes for another final memorial ceremony. This Buddhist ceremony is held to offer closing prayers. It is called "There Bang 100 Wan." On this day, Buddhist monks are presented with envelopes with money and "SANG KHATHAN." These are various small gifts, which can be toiletries, including washing powder and soap, as well as medicines, monastic clothes, fruit juice, candles, matches, umbrellas, sandals, lighters, milk, incense sticks, toothpaste and a brush, toilet paper, water, etc. On this day, the SAT NAM ceremony is also held, during which the saint is poured on the floor. water. This action is intended to bless the spirit of the deceased and give him strength in the last path. It is believed that this reduces the time the souls wait for their next rebirth in a new body.