Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture, revealed that following the official announcement from the Royal Household Bureau on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, Krom Luang Rajsarinisiri Patchara Maha Vajrarachathida, there has been profound mourning among the Thai people nationwide. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul issued a televised statement through the Thai Public Broadcasting Service and convened a special cabinet meeting on 12 June 2026 to prepare related measures. The Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Culture to prepare and construct the royal crematorium with utmost honor by thoroughly studying the princess’s biography and royal duties, seeking royal approval from advisors, and closely coordinating with the Royal Household Bureau on relevant matters.
The Minister of Culture stated that she assigned Mr. Prasop Riangngern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, to convene a briefing with senior officials from the central ministry and provincial cultural offices nationwide to prepare for duties related to the royal funeral ceremony in accordance with ancient royal traditions. The Ministry of Culture has established a command center and a special task force to integrate operations with the Royal Household Bureau, the Office of the Prime Minister, and other relevant agencies. It will also monitor, supervise, and support subordinate agencies to ensure smooth and honorable execution. The Ministry’s key responsibilities include supporting the funeral ceremony operations such as designing and constructing the crematorium and auxiliary buildings; supporting religious rites and activities of various religious organizations; organizing remembrance events honoring the princess’s benevolence and facilitating public mourning; compiling historical records and documenting significant events; and producing books, media, and knowledge materials about her biography and royal duties for public education and respectful remembrance. These tasks will proceed according to assignments from the government or Prime Minister.
The Minister of Culture added that the ministry will collect, produce, and disseminate various media honoring the princess, including films, documentaries, exhibitions, performing arts, and contemporary cultural media. The ministry will coordinate with national artists, folk artists, students, and cultural networks nationwide to organize remembrance activities and opportunities for public mourning both centrally and regionally, allowing all sectors of society to express loyalty. To facilitate the public, the Ministry of Culture will support duties as assigned by the government, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Royal Household Bureau by deploying staff to assist in related tasks, providing care and convenience for citizens paying respects, and supporting accurate public relations and information dissemination so that people nationwide understand the proper procedures for appropriate and honorable mourning.
The Minister of Culture further stated that following the government’s announcement requiring government offices, state enterprises, state agencies, and all educational institutions to fly flags at half-mast and for civil servants, state enterprise employees, and government officials to observe mourning for 15 days starting 12 June 2026, the Ministry of Culture will coordinate with its agencies and cultural networks nationwide to ensure that all government-related duties, activities, and ceremonies are conducted appropriately and in harmony with the mourning period as directed by the government, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Royal Household Bureau, and related agencies. Religious, artistic, cultural, and traditional activities conducted by the public in the regions, including local customs and traditions, may continue as usual but should be adjusted suitably for the mourning period. Examples include wearing appropriate attire, observing moments of silence, paying respects, or reflecting on the princess’s benevolence before events as appropriate, while following guidelines from the Royal Household Bureau, the Office of the Prime Minister, or relevant authorities. All actions should consider appropriateness according to time, place, and the unique cultural identity of each area.
"The Ministry of Culture and all its agencies will perform their duties with utmost loyalty and profound gratitude, mobilizing all resources, personnel, knowledge, and cultural networks across all sectors to ensure that every task related to the royal funeral ceremony proceeds smoothly, in strict accordance with ancient royal traditions, and with the highest honor," the Minister of Culture concluded.