Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui

Yesterday the Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui was held at Wat Plai Laem.

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui; Mourning yesterday. Picture by Nattawut Khuanprasert

People from all over the island came up to Wat Plai Laem throughout the day to pay their respects. Many mini buses and taxi's offered their services for free to bring mourners to or from the temple.

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui; Wat Plai Laem before it became busy

At many places around the island and near the temple, small shops and fruit sellers offered water and food for free to mourners.

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui; It was very busy yesterday and waiting times for paying respect were up to eight hours. Picture by Nattawut Khuanprasert

Mywife and our kids went to the temple during the morning hours but still had to wait for eight hours before they could eventually pay their respects, All parking psaces around the temple filled up quickly!

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui; Long lines fo waiting people were all around the temple, all day long. Picture by Suchat Prammano

In Bangkok the main ceremony was televised live all day long. An impressive ceremony could be followed on TV or Youtube. 

The ending was somehow confusing though when the anticpated actual cremation at 10pm wasn't televised. It turned out that the late King didn't want the actual cremation to be televised and to be a private event.

At last, around 11.30pm, smoke could be seen emerging from the ceremonial gound in Sanam Luang.

This morning, 27th October, right now, the ceremony for the Royal Relics of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is being held, during which the ashes will be collected and be brought over to the Grand Place.

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui; Water and food were being provided all day long to mourners. Picture by Tassanee Lemmens

Now within a few days, all signs of mourning will need to be taken down arouind Thailand and Koh Samui and the country will move on into a new area.

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui; Obtained a seat!

It was an impressive event and a 'once in a life time' event as well. Many Thai people only knew one King and he was revered all through the country.

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui; Long rows of people all day long. Picture by Nattawut Khuanprasert

Hope you had a cance to follow the events yesterday, in person or on tv or Youtube. Now it's time to move and look forward. A year of mourning has come almost to an end.

Please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. If you're done resting or need something else to do, there's plenty of things on offer on and around Koh Samui, you can go snorkeling or diving or take a dive course. You can also enjoy some of the trips I recommend, like a half day gourmet lunch and snorkeling trip at the Southern part of Koh Samui or a photography trip where you get to see the most photo genetic spots on the island or go for a drinks tasting tour if you like a tipple or two. 

Contact me for more detailed information on any of the options mentioned.

If you like to donate to this blog, use this secure link PayPal.Me/CamilleLemmens. 

Camille