Cremation of Thailand's late king to be held on Oct. 26

A huge crematorium is being erected at Sanam Luang, a large field close to the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

His Majesty the Late King's cremation on October 26 will be marked with a national public holiday, the interim cabinet announced Tuesday.

Following merit-making rituals on October 25, the cremation itself will take place on October 26, which will be declared a public holiday.

Government spokesperson Sansern Kaewkumnerd told reporters Tuesday that Buddhist funeral rites will be held from October 25-29.

A public holiday will be declared that day.

Thailand's military government has allocated 1 billion baht ($28.6 million) for the funeral of Bhumibol, who died on October 13 a year ago at age 88 after seven decades on the throne.

The monarchy is also shielded from any criticism by a draconian lese majeste law.

There have been huge displays of mourning and many choose to wear monochrome black or white clothing for the duration of the one-year official mourning period.

A huge cremation complex is being constructed on a parade ground specially reserved for royal funerals outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

The coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, King Bhumibol's successor and only son, will follow the cremation, but the date has yet to be announced.

This post was syndicated from Breaking News, Nigeria News and World News - The Guardian Nigeria.