Princess suggests change to Royal Cremation procession music
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who attend the rehearsal for the Royal Cremation of her father HM King Rama IX on Sunday, has suggested adjustments to the music to be played in the processions, PM’s Office permanent secretary Patcharaporn Inseeyong said on Monday.
The Princess said the sound of the bass drum should take the lead in songs played during the procession, as those who walked near the end of the third procession could not hear the rhythm.
The Princess gave the suggestion to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha after attending the Sunday rehearsal of the four processions at the Royal Crematorium field at Sanam Luang. The cremation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej will be held on October 26.
Patcharaporn said that Princess Sirindhorn said that, during the second procession, the sound of the bass drum was not clear as it overlapped with the sound of the traditional Thai pipat band and other sounds.
At that stage, the beat could still be heard. However, when the rehearsal came to the third procession, and a song called Bua Loi was played, those who walked near the end of the line could hardly hear the bass drum.
The permanent secretary said the Supreme Commander was assigned to take care of the issue and the next rehearsal on October 21 is expected to see the situation solved so that the rehearsal, the last, will be “more perfect”.
Patcharaporn said that the rehearsal on Sunday proceeded smoothly and people attending were all appropriately dressed in black.
However, it is requested that people coming to the Royal Ceremonies bring black or grey umbrellas, instead of colour ones, as photographs from the events would be disseminated across the world.
Meanwhile, HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn has suggested a change to invitation cards for foreign guests at the funeral.
Patcharaporn said that the responsible panel had forwarded a draft of the card to the King, who later asked them to add to Prayut’s title, noting that he was chairman of the Organising Committee as well as premier.
It was also announced that entry to Government House would be limited starting on the night of October 25. Those allowed to enter the compound would need to have a special pass noting that they were assigned to work during the event.