Banglamung District Chief
Chaowalit Saeng-Uthai and local monks present sandalwood flowers at the
base of an image of the late HRH Bejaratana Rajasuda.
Manoon Makpol and
Warunya Thongrod
Public officials and local residents paid their
respects to the late HRH Bejaratana Rajasuda at a ceremony held in
Pattaya simultaneously with the royal funeral in Bangkok.
After HM the King laid flowers on the casket of the
princess at Sanam Luang, monks made their own flower offering at
Naklua’s Photisampan Temple, followed by government officials led by
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome. As the Sawang Silp Thai Orchestra of Nong
Plalai played mournful music, deputy mayors, district chiefs, business
leaders and regular citizens followed, offering their prayers and
condolences for Her Royal Highness, who succumbed to a blood infection
last July at age 84.
“The HRH’s death saddened me, but I feel honored to
have the opportunity to pay my final respects for her commitment to
citizens of the nation. She was like a national mentor,” said Suwanpha
Pengkla, a teacher at Pattaya School No. 2.
A first cousin of HM the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, HRH
Bejaratana was born Nov. 24, 1925. The only child of King Vajiravudh and
Princess Suvadhana, she was seen only once by King Rama VI before he
died. She and her mother moved to England in 1937, where she lived for
20 years. Upon her return she took special interest in education, public
health, Buddhism, and the soldiers and police stationed at Thailand’s
borders.
“When I heard of HRH’s death, I was sad,” recalled
mourner Kledkaew Theppitak. “I believe that any Thai who hears of the
death of any member of the royal family will be saddened but no one can
fight the laws of nature. Therefore, today, I am bidding my final
farewell to HRH Bejaratana with all my loyalty.”
Traffic for the April 9 Naklua ceremony was
surprisingly light, with police and city officials out in full force to
ensure people could pay their respects without hassle.
“All Thais are sad about HRH’s death and out of
loyalty to her, I am doing my duty as an officer to facilitate the royal
ceremony for citizens and government officials in traffic and safety,”
said traffic-control officer Pansa Boriboon.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome
leads local officials in saying a final goodbye to HRH Bejaratana
Rajasuda.
The Sawang Silp Thai
Orchestra from Nong Plalai plays solemn music during the ceremony.
