Bangkok: The Ministry of Culture held a merit-making ceremony on the seventh day of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen Mother. The Minister of Culture led a group of executives in the ceremony to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. They also prepared to hold ceremonies marking the 15th, 50th, and 100th day of her passing.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture, presided over the ceremony dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. The event was organized to express condolences and commemorate Her Majesty’s grace. Participants included Mr. Prasop Riangngen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Ms. Chotika Akkarakitsopakul, Deputy Permanent Secretary, and other senior ministry executives. Monks were invited to chant Buddhist prayers and perform merit-making ceremonies. An altar was set up with a portrait of Her Majesty, adorned with her signature white and blue flowers, to express loyalty and mourning.
Ms. Sabida stated that the Ministry of Culture is grateful for Her Majesty’s grace and will promote cultural works in accordance with her royal initiatives, including arts and culture, arts and crafts, royal Thai dress, and Thai textiles. The Ministry aims to enable the Thai people to express loyalty and mourn collectively.
The Ministry is preparing for further ceremonies on the 15th, 50th, and 100th days of Her Majesty’s passing. It will collaborate with the government on the “Uniting the Power of Loyalty” event, allowing artists and cultural networks to express loyalty and remember Her Majesty. Events will include religious ceremonies, arts and cultural activities, and exhibitions nationwide.
For regional events, provincial cultural offices are instructed to support governors’ events, enabling citizens to express condolences and loyalty. The Ministry has consulted with relevant agencies to ensure respectful ceremonies. The Minister of Culture also announced the Cabinet’s resolution appointing him as Chairman of the Committee for the Compilation of Archives and Memorial Books for the Royal Cremation Ceremony. The Ministry, through the National Archives of Thailand and Fine Arts Department, will collect and record important events related to Her Majesty’s passing. These records will serve as historical documentation for future generations and academic research.