Following royal tradition and guided by strict royal rituals, the $90 million funeral will attract about 250,000 Thais to attend to bid farewell to the "king of the people" who passed away last October at the age of 88.
The king's funeral was honored by the Thai people throughout his 7 decades of rule because its focal point was the 50m high incense tower symbolizing Meru Mountain - the center of the universe according to the views of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.
This gilded structure is decorated with dozens of sculptures of animals, gods and legendary creatures in the legends of Buddhism and Hinduism.
This metaphor has 8 smaller structures arranged symmetrically around the main tower, representing the mountains surrounding Meru. This arrangement evokes the late king Bhumibol - the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, or Rama IX.
In addition, there are statues of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's pet dogs. The large project built nearly a year ago also simulates the welfare projects of the kings during their lifetime, including a small rice field and a water wheel.
The body of King Bhumibol Adulyadej was placed in a separate coffin with royal ashes. This bowl was brought to the crematorium with the coffin, helping the soul of the late king go to the world beyond according to Buddhist beliefs.
The official funeral began on October 25 with a Thai religious ceremony for Bhumibol's only son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn or Rama X. Today (October 26), the royal ashes will be transferred from the palace to the incense table. The cremation will take place at 10:00 p.m. (local time) lit by King Rama X himself.
In addition to the main transformation tower built in Sanam Luang Square, there are 85 other replicas built across the country and the administrative areas of Bangkok.
