Costing B300 million, the princess’s funeral was the first full royal funeral since 1995, when HM King Bhumibol's mother Srinagarindra was cremated. A complex of intricately-carved pavilions was built at Sanam Luang over seven months. On the final day of her six-day funeral ceremony, HM the King and HM Queen Sirikit set light to the B200 million, 40-meter-high funeral pyre. The other buildings were torn down, sad reminders of death to be cast away forever.

Now, the Fine Arts Department’s architects are going to have to outdo themselves. Judging by the plans, they will not disappoint. The budget is this time B1 billion and the target completion date is September. (The central column was meant to go up in January, so we’re almost on schedule.) It will be the tallest crematorium since King Rama V (Chulalongkorn)’s funeral in 1911.

The task at hand is so colossal, the Ministry of Culture's Fine Arts Department head Anant Chuchote has enlisted the help of 150 artisans from the Traditional Arts Office while also putting out a call for workers. Not only does the complex of pavilions at Sanam Luang need to be built but the royal chariots usually showcased at the National Museum need to be restored. The biggest one, an elaborately decorated 14-ton golden carriage, which has been in use since Rama I, will carry HM the King’s urn, itself made from centuries-old golden teak wood.

HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) passed away Oct 13, 2016 at the age of 89. He is revered by Thais for his tireless dedication to maintaining peace and stability in the kingdom, while improving living standards in its rural areas. He reigned 70 years, 126 days. His son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, aged 64, succeeds him.