Mourning

State officials and employees will mourn the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana for 15 days, while government offices and schools will fly flags at half-mast for the same period.

Published on January 3, 2008

Mourning

l State officials and employees will mourn the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana for 15 days, while government offices and schools will fly flags at half-mast for the same period.

Royal Family members and court officials will wear black for 100 days.

The Royal Household Bureau announced that the Princess passed away at Siriraj Hospital at 2.54am yesterday.

The Prime Minister's Office announced the 15-day mourning.

His Majesty the King granted permission for public bathing rites at Saha Thai Samakhom Pavilion at the Grand Palace. The rites, conducted before a portrait of the Princess, were from 1pm to 5pm yesterday.

l The Cabinet has requested responsible agencies to ask entertainment venues to suspend activities for 15 days to mourn Princess Galyani.

Prime Minister's Office Minister Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan asked state-run Channel 11 and TITV to air programmes in honour of the Princess.

The government has formed a national committee to oversee funeral arrangements, led by the prime minister.

Cabinet members will wear black for 100 days, she said, adding that the Cabinet asked the public to mourn for 15 days.

l It has been suggested people wear black, white and grey dress to mourn Princess Galyani.

Royal Family members and court officials will wear black for 100 days. But royal expert Assoc Prof Thongthong Chandransu suggested members of the public who wish to mourn wear black, white or grey dress for at least 15 days.

According to tradition, other colours are not permitted, Thongthong said. People can follow tradition and observe the three-colour code for 100 days, if they want, he said.

The Nation