On 10 Nov, reporters provided an update on the construction of the Phra Meru Mat structures for the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. Porntam Thamwimon, National Artist and the landscape architect for the Phra Meru Mat, revealed that the landscape architectural components are now over 98% complete. Only system tests for lighting and water, along with final garden detailing and plant decorations, remain. The remaining plant decorations include planting lotus species in the Bok Khrani pond around the base of the Phra Meru Mat on all four sides. The work has proceeded according to plan, aligning with the concept and overall design of the Phra Meru Mat, which is based on a cosmic landscape plan, royal duties, and the use of favored plants such as flowers, shrubs, and aquatic plants as the main decorative elements.
Porntam added that the landscape design in front of the Phra Meru Mat symbolizes the Queen's role as consort during King Rama IX's reign and highlights her royal craftsmanship activities at the Support Foundation. It is constructed as a peacock feather motif with woven layers, while the inner layer is a flower garden featuring flowers bearing Queen Sirikit's royal cypher, surrounded by trimmed shrubs. All plants have been planted, with only trimming remaining to enhance beauty. Additionally, lotus species will be planted in the eight-petaled lotus pond towards the end of the schedule.
Regarding the decoration around the base of the Phra Meru Mat, Porntam explained that various lotus species will adorn the Bok Khrani pond, representing the mythical Mount Meru in the center of the universe. The pond is filled with lotuses and waterfowl such as swans playing in the water. This design was inspired by a study visit to the Support Foundation art center on Koh Koet, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, which the Queen favored for its depiction of the Bok Khrani pond, flowers, peacocks, and swans crafted as personal adornments. The design is three-dimensional and lifelike, showing the pond, waterfowl, and the heavenly beauty. Lotus species prepared include royal lotus varieties such as Rachinee, Stabangkot, and Queen Sirikit lotuses in pink, white, purple, and blue shades. Each species blooms at different times—morning, noon, night—and some reflect light. The lotuses include both those with stems and those spreading on the water around the Phra Meru Mat. Four lotus-shaped ponds with golden petals and central fountains resembling lotus buds have also been constructed in the four directions.
Porntam also stated that the pattern on the plaza around the Phra Meru Mat uses a blue base color with shimmering alternating curved lines representing the Sitan mountain of Mount Meru, designed to appear graceful and mimic the eight-petaled lotus in the center of Mount Meru. For the plant decorations around the Throne of Justice and various pavilions, Queen Sirikit flowers, shrubs, and bonsai will be planted. Ceramic pots prepared by the Thao Hong Tai factory bear symbols representing Her Majesty the Queen Mother. Additionally, bonsai trees from Wat Khlong Toei Nai will be used to decorate the base of the Phra Meru Mat and the Bok Khrani pond, as well as other accessory buildings.