In approximately 20 hours from now (17:30 local time, Oct. 26, 2017) the cremation of His Late Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulayadej, will take place. This is such a big event, and as I mentioned in an earlier post, the last cremation of an anointed king was nearly 100 years ago.

On the Ratanakosin island, especially around Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, the streets have been closed, no vehicles are allowed, only pedestrian traffic. The atmosphere in the temple is very busy, many volunteers have set up chairs at the basketball court, which will be used for placing the sandalwood flower, as well as watching the event unfold on a giant TV. People are also making food in the makeshift kitchens, which is sent to the mourners camped out at Sanam Luang and environs.

 

 

Also, due to His Late Majestie’s close ties to this monastery, many of the buildings he used when he was a Buddhist monk, residing here in 1956, have been lit up with spotlights. It is a very beautiful sight, indeed. I will include some photos of the lit buildings below.