Funeral pavilion merits longer public viewing period 

One of the grandest spectacles Thailand has ever produced, though born of national sorrow, is drawing much interest both here and abroad. The cremation ceremony for His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej shone with our rich cultural heritage and unique social character, and the authorities were right to permit the public to admire a funeral pavilion that embodies the highest artistic and spiritual beliefs along with a concerted national effort.
The question is whether one month of public viewing is really enough. The past year has seen some 13 million people process through the doors of the Grand Palace to pay their respects to the late monarch in front of the Royal Urn. In contrast to this stately and dignified farewell, the cremation day itself was all too brief for many mourners, who descended on temples and shrines across the land bearing wood-shaving flowers as tokens of grief. 
Many reportedly missed their chance to carry out what they saw as one of the most meaningful duties in tribute to a King they truly loved.
The main ceremony, held at the specially built pavilion at Sanam Luang, was beautiful, solemn, touching and charged with cultural and religious significance. One Western commentator described it as an international showcase of Thai heritage. Dan Blacharski said two types of grandeur were witnessed in Thailand on October 26, “the funeral itself and the grandeur of the throngs of everyday Thai people coming out to show their devotion and admiration to a man they called ‘father to all Thai people’”.
His choice words have been rewarded with praise from Thais from all walks of life, many of whom expressed their frustration at criticism being voiced over the cost of the funeral. Concerning the expense, Blacharski was once again spot on, pointing out that countries are justified in honouring, celebrating and bidding farewell to their cherished heads of state. Money was never an issue in such cases, he added, “nor should it have been” in this one.
Describing the cremation itself, he noted that “the grand event gave all Thai people a chance to mourn, but even more than that, it gave them a chance to connect with one another, and to connect a little more deeply with their own history and culture and to show the world a glimpse of something marvellous”. That was an accurate assessment, especially given the awe expressed by many younger Thais, who said the ceremony had revealed to them the true majesty of King Rama IX’s reign and filled them with pride.
Helping fuel that pride is the artistry of the funeral pavilion with its exquisite craftsmanship. Behind the marvellous creation is a harmonious interlacing of traditional and contemporary artists who blended ancient knowledge with fresh perspectives. The fruit of their labours is a structure that embodies a magnificent past, but also stands as a great inspiration for the future. 
Custom dictates that the pavilion cannot be left standing adjacent to the Grand Palace forever. This does not mean, however, that the public viewing period must be limited to one month. Extending that time would help prevent the kind of rush of visitors that took place just before the Royal Urn was moved from the Grand Palace ahead of the cremation ceremony. At this time of unprecedented national grief, it is important that as many people as possible are given the opportunity to witness firsthand the central symbol of this historic event and the cultural pride that radiates from its walls.