Following the Royal Household Bureau's announcement that brought deep sorrow to all Thai people concerning the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, Krom Luang Rajsarin Siripatchara Mahavajraratchathida, on Thursday, 11 June 2026 GMT+7 at 19:48, at Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, in peaceful condition at the age of 47.
In this regard, His Majesty the King graciously commanded the Royal Household Bureau to arrange the royal funeral with the highest honor according to royal protocol, placing the body at Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.
Due to the importance and urgency, the National Office of Buddhism issued two urgent letters No. พศ 0007/4588 and No. พศ 0007/ว 334 dated 12 June 2026 GMT+7, reporting the royal condition and submitting matters for the Supreme Sangha Council's approval individually. All members unanimously approved, resulting in the Supreme Sangha Council Resolution Special No. 6/2026, setting guidelines for merit-making ceremonies to be collectively observed by monks in all temples nationwide and Thai temples abroad.
The Supreme Sangha Council established the following criteria for conducting merit-making ceremonies in dedication.
1. Setting up a worship table with the royal portrait: Every temple shall set up a worship table with the royal portrait, arranging offerings including one set of small golden items or an incense burner with three incense sticks and one pair of candles, depending on the temple's capacity, along with appropriate flower arrangements and vases. This should be placed in the ordination hall or a solemn place within the temple appropriate for the merit-making ceremony, allowing the public to pay respects.
2. Daily chanting of Buddhist scriptures and funeral rites for 15 days: Temples shall conduct merit-making ceremonies including chanting Buddhist scriptures or funeral prayers dedicated to the royal merit daily for 15 days, starting from 13 June 2026 GMT+7, at times suitable for each temple and community.
3. Merit-making ceremonies on significant memorial days: Perform ceremonies on the 7th day (Sattamavara), 15th day (Pannarasamavara), 50th day (Panyasamavara), and 100th day (Satamavara) after the passing. Dates may be adjusted according to the schedule of the royal ceremonies. Appropriate merit activities include almsgiving, Dharma sermons, chanting, offering meals, offering Sangha requisites in the afternoon or evening, or chanting Matika and recitations by monks.
Regarding the use of ceremonial fans: Follow the Supreme Sangha Council Resolution No. 928/2014, Clause 2.1, whereby central ceremonies hosted by government departments at the departmental level or higher may use ceremonial fans. In regional ceremonies, only those at district level or above as hosts may use fans. Government officials and staff shall wear their white mourning uniforms.
4. Special meditation activities: Provincial meditation centers shall organize special meditation activities dedicated to the royal merit on the 7th, 15th, 50th, and 100th days after the passing.
5. Daily mental cultivation: The Sangha shall collectively practice daily mental cultivation dedicated to the royal merit after evening chanting, continuing until the 100th day merit-making ceremony.
6. Expanding the purpose of existing royal merit ceremonies: For ceremonies chanting Buddhist scriptures and mental cultivation to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, held centrally and regionally as per Supreme Sangha Council Resolution No. 37/2026, the purpose shall be extended to include: "Chanting and mental cultivation ceremonies dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and to the royal merit of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, Krom Luang Rajsarin Siripatchara Mahavajraratchathida," including placing the royal portrait as described in guideline 1.
7. Inviting citizens and Buddhists to join merit-making: The Supreme Sangha Council invites all citizens and Buddhists from all sectors to join in merit-making activities by chanting, mental cultivation, observing precepts, listening to Dharma teachings, and practicing meditation, collectively dedicating merit to Her Royal Highness on this occasion.
This represents a significant resolution by the Thai Sangha to unite the hearts of people nationwide in gratitude for the royal kindness, expressed through Buddhist practices and ceremonies to dedicate merit to Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha, who remains forever in the hearts of the Thai people.