BANGKOK, Thailand – Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief General Pana Claewplodtook, accompanied by senior military officers, inspected preparations by the Army Quartermaster Department for the Royal Cremation Ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. During the visit on July 7, he received a briefing on the progress of rehearsals and the readiness of personnel assigned to ceremonial duties. The Quartermaster Department has assigned 276 personnel to carry the Royal Regalia and ceremonial insignia, including the three-tailed royal standards, golden tiered royal umbrellas, royal fly whisks, the lotus-petal palanquin, ceremonial screens, and other items used in five ceremonial processions. Gen. Pana also presented gifts to the personnel and encouraged them to uphold royal ceremonial traditions while maintaining their health throughout the rehearsal period.
The army chief later visited the Bangkok National Museum, where the Army Ordnance Department briefed him on the restoration and conservation of the Royal Chariots, Royal Palanquins, Royal Funeral Carriages, and related ceremonial equipment. The Army Ordnance Department is responsible for inspecting and restoring the ceremonial vehicles and equipment, including their structural integrity, mechanical systems, mobility, and towing mechanisms, to ensure they are fully operational for one of the nation’s most important royal ceremonies. The Army said preparations are continuing to ensure every aspect of the ceremony is carried out in accordance with royal tradition while supporting the well-being of personnel entrusted with these duties. (NNT)
