The Office of Ten Divisions of Traditional Thai Crafts has disclosed the mural paintings inside Songtham Throne Hall are being colored for the royal cremation ceremony of His Late Majesty, affirming that preparations are over 50% complete. Mr. Kiattisak Suwannaphong, highly specialized artist, said that the paintings on the cremation panels have progressed as planned and that artisans have already colored the back of the cremation panel, which portrays heaven lotuses, Montha Thip flowers with the Feunguba pattern and His Late Majesty’s monogram. It is expected that all paintings will be colored and completed by August. The paintings will then be assembled on the cremation panels before being displayed at the royal crematorium in September.

The Office of Traditional Arts, Fine Arts Department, is now in the process of placing the mythical creatures on the artificial stones around the Anodat pond, one of the legendary Himavanta’s ponds, before actually setting them around the foundation of the Royal Crematorium at Sanam Luang Ceremonial Ground. The construction of the fire screen, or Chak Bang Phloeng, was said to be 65% completed.

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun has ordered the Bureau of the Royal Household to arrange the merit-making ceremony for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and other previous Thai monarchs as well as the religious ceremony for the celebration of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on 23 May 2017 from 4:30 p.m. at Dusit Palace in Bangkok. The general public are invited to attend the ceremony or watch the live television broadcast on NBT 2 HD, Thai TV Global Network, and NBT World starting from 5:10 p.m. The live broadcast will also be available on NBT 2 HD Facebook page, and on Radio Thailand's stations nationwide. The prayer used in this ceremony is available for download on www.prd.go.th. 

The Deputy Prime Minister has revealed that the progress of the Royal Crematorium of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is on schedule. It is expected to be finished by this September. However, after the royal cremation ceremony, exhibitions on the late king's royal duties and the construction of the Royal Crematorium will be open for the public to attend for one month.

Thailand Post invites the public to attend an exhibition showcasing stamps with a story of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The visitors will be able to get postcards and souvenir cards. The exhibition is free of charge at the Central Postal Building, every Tuesday-Sunday, from 22 June until 31 October 2017.

The Ministry of Interior will organize a voluntary sandalwood flower-making activity on 19-20 June 2017 at the Damrong Rajanuphab Institute building inside the ministry’s grounds. Apart from this activity, the ministry, which is the core agency for the offering of sandalwood flowers by the people, disclosed that all provinces have now prepared such related issues as the venues and positions for the offering ceremony, the decorations, exhibitions, and performances.