PM thanks Thai people for funeral respects
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday thanked Thai people in the country and overseas for bestowing greatest honour as well as reverence and respect for His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej during the Royal Cremation Ceremony that ended on Sunday.
He made the statement in a special televised programme broadcast the day after the end of the five-day ceremonies.
The late King was cremated last Thursday in a grand ceremony watched by millions of people across the country.
Prayut also expressed gratitude to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who acted as chief adviser for the cremation ceremony committee and chaired many meetings with the committee.
The princess had visited the ceremonial sites and gave advice on many aspects concerning the ceremony.
Prayut also expressed appreciation to foreign friends and members of the global community for sending well wishes to Thailand and joining the Thai people in mourning during this difficult time.
“October 26, 2017 will forever go down in history as day when Thai people from all sectors and all around the world united to show their profound condolences toward His Majesty late King Bhumibol,” Prayut said.
Now that the 70-year reign of His Majesty had ended, Thai people were urged to turn sorrow into empowerment, and fulfil the royal wishes in developing and keeping the country prosperous with His Majesty eternally residing within their hearts, Prayut said.
He added that the government and the ceremonial committee also felt grateful towards His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who gave valuable guidelines and recommendations and helped resolve many obstacles concerning the organisation of the ceremonies, among other things.
He also thanked the artists, engineers, craftsmen, and security personnel and civilians who were involved in the event, which was attended by royal family leaders and national leaders from other countries.