The Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry led a meeting to review the progress of preparations for the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, in the regions, instructing every province and district to conduct the ceremonies with the highest respect and dignity.
On 11 Nov 2026 at the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Atsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Interior, chaired a meeting of the Coordination Center Committee for the Royal Cremation Ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, attended by executives and officials from agencies under the Ministry of Interior.
The Permanent Secretary explained that the meeting aimed to monitor the readiness of agencies under the Ministry of Interior in organizing the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. A Coordination Center Committee was established, with the Permanent Secretary as director, overseeing eight subcommittees responsible for protocol, royal procession arrangements, construction of the crematorium and related structures, public relations, security and traffic management, archival and commemorative publications, coordination center operations, and exhibition arrangements. The meeting also reviewed changes to 25 floral tribute burning locations, approval of electricity extension cost waivers, and exemption of electricity charges during the event to ensure the floral tribute ceremony proceeds smoothly and with the highest honor.
Additionally, progress was reviewed on constructing floral tribute booths for public participation. In the regions, the Ministry of Interior, through the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, the Office of the Permanent Secretary, and the Department of Provincial Administration, is responsible for building a total of 880 booths: 78 medium-sized booths located at provincial centers and the Mueang districts of Ayutthaya and two metropolitan areas (Thupatemi Stadium in Pathum Thani and Phutthamonthon in Nakhon Pathom), and 802 lotus-shaped booths at all other districts except these Mueang districts. The Department of Community Development is handling the crafting of sandalwood flowers, inviting volunteers to create floral tributes representing each province and district, using provincial flower designs and seven standard floral tribute types (Dararat, rose, puttan, lily, orchid, chabathip, and little hibiscus). Preparations are underway for the ceremony to receive the royal urn box on 20 Nov 2026 at the Government House, chaired by the Prime Minister and Interior Minister. The floral tribute ceremony on 16 Dec 2026 will be held at all booths from 09:00 to 22:00 and include traditional performances such as Khon dance, Nang Yai shadow puppetry, puppet theater, royal compositions, and local cultural arts. A merit-making and ash scattering ceremony will follow on 17 Dec 2026. Regarding exhibitions, the Ministry mandates provinces and districts to organize displays about the biography and royal duties of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, lasting one month after the royal cremation of Princess Bajrakitiyabha at suitable venues.
In closing, Mr. Atsit expressed gratitude to the committee members and attendees for their reports and efforts. He emphasized that all parties are committed to expressing loyalty and deep gratitude for the immeasurable royal grace. The Ministry of Interior has strongly instructed all provinces and districts to treat the royal cremation ceremony as a paramount responsibility, especially in regional areas tasked with facilitating citizens attending the ceremonies to the fullest extent in every aspect, ensuring the floral tribute ceremony proceeds smoothly and with the utmost dignity.