This Oct. 6, 2017, photo shows the royal crematorium and funeral complex for the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Bangkok (AP) – Thai artists and craftsmen are putting the finishing touches on an elaborate crematorium complex ahead of the funeral of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned for 70 years before his death on Oct. 13, 2016.
The crematorium, situated on a public field near the Grand Palace in Bangkok, is a representation of mystical Mount Meru, where gods reside, according to Buddhist and Hindu legends. The complex features nine golden-spired pavilions and more than 100 sculptures and statues of angels, gods, mythical creatures and former kings.
HM King Bhumibol will be honored in an elaborate royal cremation ceremony from Oct. 25 to 29. The events, which have a budget of 1 billion baht ($30 million), are the culmination of more than a year of official mourning.
The crematorium will be dismantled after the funeral.
The royal crematorium and funeral complex for the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej is shown under construction, Sept. 25 in Bangkok. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)Thai artists and craftsmen are putting the finishing touches on an elaborate crematorium complex ahead of the funeral of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned for 70 years before his death on Oct. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)An artist decorates elements of the royal crematorium and funeral complex for the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)An artist sculpts deities and creatures from ancient epics to decorate the royal crematorium and funeral complex for the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)Artists sculpt deities and creatures from ancient epics to decorate the royal crematorium. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)An artist paints a creature from ancient epics to decorate the royal crematorium and funeral complex. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)In this Oct. 2, 2017, photo, construction continues for the royal crematorium and funeral complex. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)The royal urn made of sandalwood will be used in the royal crematorium during the elaborate royal cremation ceremony from Oct. 25 to 29 for the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
