FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Foreign guests pay respects

Foreign guests pay respects

Royalty, heads of state and key ministers from more than 40 countries attend historic funeral.

FOREIGN GUESTS representing the royal families and governments from 42 countries attended the Royal Cremation Ceremony in Bangkok yesterday, offering their last respects and farewells to HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
They presented at the Royal Crematorium in Sanam Luang grounds for the ceremony in the afternoon before the symbolic cremation. 
“To the incomparable, visionary and most Precious Jewel King, the King of Thailand, who attained Parinirvana, I would like to offer my deepest respect, and my heartfelt prayers. May Your Majesty always be born as Dharma Raja, to the benefit of all sentient beings,” King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan said on his Facebook page yesterday.

Foreign guests pay respects
In Thimpu, meanwhile, a special prayer was held coinciding with the Royal Cremation Ceremony in Bangkok. The prayer ceremony, live broadcast via Facebook, was attended by the members of the Bhutanese royal family, senior government officials, diplomatic corps, the Thai community living in Bhutan and the general public.
“The people of Bhutan stand with the people of Thailand to mourn the great loss, and commemorate the extraordinary legacy of a beloved King,” King Jigme said. 

Foreign guests pay respects
Royals from foreign countries at the Royal Cremation Ceremony yesterday included Queen Mathilde of Belgium, King David Mohato Bereng Seeiso Letsie III and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Queen Silvia of Sweden, King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga, as well as Prince Akishino and Princess Akishino of Japan.

Foreign guests pay respects
Head of states from neighbouring countries to the ceremony included President Bounnhang Vorachit, President U Htin Kyaw of Myanmar and President Halimah Yacob of Singapore. Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia represented his country to the ceremony.
The United States and China also sent their special representatives to attend the Royal Cremation Ceremony. US Secretary of Defence James Mattis led a delegation representing President Donald Trump. 

Foreign guests pay respects
In a statement issued by the US delegation, President Trump extended his profound condolences on behalf of the American people for the passing of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol. 
The late King was a champion of the Thai people and the United States-Thailand alliance. His innovative work, diplomacy, and 70 years of selfless service will ensure that his legacy will live on for many generations to come, the statement said. 
China was represented by Zhang Gaoli, vice premier of the State Council.
The Foreign Ministry yesterday also took diplomats and representatives of 94 countries and international organisations to the Royal Cremation Ceremony at Sanam Luang after a briefing and lunch at the ministry.

Foreign guests pay respects

Foreign guests pay respects

Foreign guests pay respects

Foreign guests pay respects

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