The Cabinet solemnly commemorates the gracious legacy of Princess Bajrakitiyabha following her death, ordering government offices to fly flags at half-mast for 15 days. The Prime Minister will lead the Cabinet in offering holy water at the royal funeral tomorrow. There is no prohibition on holding events or entertainment activities, and the public is encouraged to continue their normal lives.
A special Cabinet meeting was held on 12 Jun 2026 at 11:30 at the Government House. Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, announced after the meeting that following the Royal Household Bureau's statement on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Thepiyawadi, the Cabinet held an urgent meeting. At the start, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the Princess's graciousness and led the Cabinet in a moment of silence to express condolences. The Cabinet assigned related agencies to prepare and conduct the royal funeral rites with full dignity according to ancient royal traditions. The Secretariat of the Cabinet issued a Prime Minister’s Office announcement regarding the Princess’s passing as follows: 1. All government offices, state enterprises, government agencies, and educational institutions shall fly flags at half-mast for 15 days starting from 12 June 2026. 2. Civil servants, state enterprise employees, and government officials shall observe mourning for 15 days from 12 June 2026. The general public is requested to consider appropriate conduct accordingly.
Ms. Ratchada added that the Cabinet also agreed on arrangements to conduct the royal funeral with full dignity according to ancient royal traditions as follows: 1. The Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister is tasked with appointing a committee to organize the royal funeral of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Permanent Secretary as secretary, and inviting members of the royal family as advisors. The committee will also establish subcommittees for event management, funeral arrangements, cremation construction, royal chariots, public relations, security, and to notify government agencies to assign officials to attend the daily Buddhist funeral rites for 100 days.
Ms. Ratchada further explained: 2. The Ministry of Culture and the Fine Arts Department are assigned to oversee the ceremonial format and construction of the crematorium, with royal advisors' review. 3. The Secretariat of the Cabinet will arrange for Cabinet members to take turns attending the Buddhist funeral rites. 4. The Ministry of Interior and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will organize merit-making activities to allow the public to pay homage to Princess Bajrakitiyabha. 5. The Public Relations Department will continuously publicize the Princess’s royal deeds and coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare English translations.
The Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson said the Cabinet also assigned the Ministry of Public Health and relevant agencies to prepare emergency response plans, including mobile medical units and coordination with volunteers, foundations, private sector, and healthcare facilities to be ready 24/7. Following royal permission, the public may pay respects by offering holy water at the funeral service for Princess Bajrakitiyabha in front of her portrait at the Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion in the Grand Palace on 13 June 2026 from 08:30 to 12:00. On that day, the Prime Minister will lead the Cabinet in the holy water offering ceremony starting at 08:30.
When asked whether any entertainment or event activities would be canceled, Ms. Ratchada said there is no ban. Everyone is asked to show respect and remembrance for the Princess, but may continue their daily lives as usual.