Queen Sirikit Royal Cremation in Bangkok: Date, Schedule, Ritual and Royal Crematorium
Thailand will hold the royal cremation of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, in Bangkok in December 2026, following more than a year of preparations. The ceremonies will culminate at Sanam Luang, where a royal crematorium has been specially built for the occasion.
Thailand is preparing for one of the most significant royal ceremonies in its contemporary history. Queen Sirikit, Queen Mother, died on October 24, 2025, aged 93, and her body has since been kept at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall within Bangkok’s Grand Palace. King Maha Vajiralongkorn ordered royal funeral ceremonies to be held with the highest honours in accordance with royal tradition.
The royal cremation ceremonies are scheduled for December 14 to 19, 2026, with the main day falling on December 15. The programme will include royal processions, the transfer of the royal urn, the cremation ceremony and, over the following days, the return of the relics and ashes to the Grand Palace and two royal temples.
A Royal Ceremony Prepared for More Than a Year
Following Queen Sirikit’s death, Thailand entered an extended period of preparations for the royal funeral ceremonies. The government was tasked with organising the ceremonies in accordance with royal traditions and with the highest honours.
Preparations extend far beyond the royal crematorium itself. They include the restoration of historic royal chariots and palanquins, the production of the royal urn and sandalwood coffin, decorative elements, ceremonial objects and the organisation of the processions.
Queen Sirikit’s Royal Crematorium at Sanam Luang
The Phra Merumas, or royal crematorium, is being built on Sanam Luang, the vast ceremonial ground opposite the Grand Palace in the heart of Bangkok’s historic district.
Construction began in February 2026, with completion initially scheduled for October.
A Monument Designed for the Queen Mother
The design draws on the traditional architecture of Thai royal crematoriums while incorporating references to Queen Sirikit’s life and work.
The structure features a three-tiered crown-shaped spire. Light blue, pink and white are among the main colours used, reflecting the Queen Mother’s day of birth.
Some decorative elements are also inspired by her tiara and the wings of the scarab beetle, a motif associated with the Support Foundation she established.
A Complex and Fast-Moving Construction Project
In June 2026, the overall project was reported to be 23.65% complete, with the foundations finished and the main structure around 50% complete. The royal pavilion known as Phra Thinang Song Tham, intended for merit-making ceremonies, was approximately 60% complete at the time.
By early July, progress had accelerated significantly, with construction of the royal crematorium reported to be more than 90% complete and the main structure expected to be finished in October.
The rapid progress reflects the intensification of work ahead of the December ceremonies.
Historic Royal Chariots Restored for the Procession
The royal processions are an essential part of the funeral ceremonies. Several historic royal chariots and palanquins are therefore being restored specifically for the occasion.
Among them is the spectacular Phra Maha Phichai Ratcharot, the Great Victory Chariot traditionally used during royal funerals.
The restoration programme must be completed before rehearsals for the royal processions can take place.
The project brings together royal heritage, traditional craftsmanship and modern conservation techniques.
Queen Sirikit Royal Cremation Schedule
The announced programme covers six days, from December 14 to 19, 2026.
| Date | Main Ceremony | Location |
|---|---|---|
| December 14, 2026 | Ceremony before the royal urn leaves for the crematorium | Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall |
| December 15 – 7:00 am | Transfer of the royal urn to the crematorium by royal processions | Grand Palace → Sanam Luang |
| December 15 – 4:30 pm | Official royal cremation ceremony | Sanam Luang |
| December 15 – 10:00 pm | Actual cremation | Sanam Luang |
| December 16 – 8:00 am | Collection of the royal relics and return to the Grand Palace | Sanam Luang → Grand Palace |
| December 17 – 5:30 pm | Merit-making ceremony for the royal relics | Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall |
| December 18 – 10:30 am | Transfer of the relics to their final location within the Grand Palace | Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall → Chakri Maha Prasat |
| December 19 – 5:30 pm | Deposition of the ashes at the royal temples | Wat Ratchabophit and Wat Bowonniwet |
The schedule makes an important distinction on December 15: the official royal cremation ceremony will take place at 4:30 pm, followed by the actual cremation at 10:00 pm.
Key date: December 15, 2026 will be the central day of Queen Sirikit’s royal cremation ceremonies in Bangkok.
Last updated: August 18, 2026. The schedule presented here reflects the programme currently announced and may be clarified or amended by the Thai authorities before the December ceremonies.
How Will the Royal Cremation Ritual Take Place?
The ceremonies follow the traditions of Thai royal funerals. The event is therefore not a single ceremony but a sequence of rituals taking place over several days.
December 14: Preparations Before the Procession
On the day before the cremation, a merit-making ceremony will be held at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall before the royal urn leaves for Sanam Luang.
This stage marks the transition from the period during which the Queen Mother’s body has been kept at the Grand Palace to the royal cremation ceremonies.
December 15: The Great Royal Processions
On the morning of December 15, the royal urn will be transported from the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang.
The transfer is scheduled to begin at 7:00 am and will involve a series of royal processions. The historic chariots restored for the occasion will play a central role in this ceremonial movement.
For visitors in Bangkok, the day will also provide a rare opportunity to witness one of the most important expressions of Thailand’s royal ceremonial heritage.
The Official Afternoon Ceremony
At 4:30 pm, the official royal cremation ceremony is scheduled to take place at the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang.
This will be the central solemn ceremony of the afternoon, conducted according to royal protocol.
The Actual Cremation
At 10:00 pm, the programme calls for the actual cremation to take place.
The distinction between the official afternoon ceremony and the cremation itself is important for understanding the sequence of the royal funeral ritual.
What Happens After the Cremation?
The ceremonies do not end on December 15.
On December 16, the royal relics will be collected at the crematorium before being returned to the Grand Palace in another procession.
December 17 will be devoted to a further merit-making ceremony at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall.
On December 18, the royal relics will be transferred to their designated location at the Chakri Maha Prasat.
Finally, on December 19, Queen Sirikit’s ashes will be taken to Wat Ratchabophit and Wat Bowonniwet, where they will be deposited according to the announced programme.
Sandalwood at the Heart of the Royal Funeral Ritual
The production of ceremonial objects is another important part of the preparations.
Fragrant sandalwood from 20 naturally dead trees in Kui Buri National Park, in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, was provided for the production of the royal urn.
A traditional ritual was held before the trees were collected, symbolically seeking permission from the guardian spirits of the forest.
Artisans are also working on the royal coffin, sandalwood flowers, decorative logs and numerous other objects required for the ceremonies.
Bangkok During the Royal Cremation
Sanam Luang lies at the heart of Bangkok’s historic district, between the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and several of the capital’s most important monuments.
The royal cremation ceremonies are therefore expected to have a significant impact on traffic and access to the historic centre.
For travellers staying in Bangkok in December 2026, it will be important to distinguish between areas accessible to the public, zones reserved for the ceremonies and any temporary traffic restrictions.
Precise access arrangements, viewing areas and possible closures should be checked closer to December through official Thai government and authority announcements.
A Ceremony Showcasing Thailand’s Cultural Heritage
Beyond its dynastic and religious significance, the royal cremation will also showcase an exceptional range of Thailand’s artistic heritage.
Traditional architecture, painting, sculpture, embroidery, woodwork, gilding, royal chariot restoration and sandalwood craftsmanship all come together in a single ceremonial project.
The government has also planned a communications strategy and an information centre, including resources intended for international media covering the various stages of the royal cremation.
For anyone interested in Thai culture, the Sanam Luang project offers a unique insight into how an ancient royal tradition is prepared and carried out in contemporary Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Queen Sirikit’s Royal Cremation
When will Queen Sirikit’s royal cremation take place?
The royal cremation ceremonies are scheduled for December 14 to 19, 2026, in Bangkok. The central day will be December 15, with the official ceremony at 4:30 pm and the actual cremation scheduled for 10:00 pm.
Where will Queen Sirikit’s cremation take place?
The cremation will take place at the royal crematorium being built at Sanam Luang, in Bangkok’s historic district, near the Grand Palace.
Where is Queen Sirikit’s body currently kept?
Since her death on October 24, 2025, the Queen Mother’s body has been kept at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, within the Grand Palace compound in Bangkok.
Can the public attend the royal cremation?
Precise arrangements for public access and viewing areas in December 2026 have yet to be confirmed. Visitors should check official announcements before travelling to Sanam Luang.
Why is a new royal crematorium being built?
A royal crematorium is a temporary structure specially designed for royal funeral ceremonies. Its architecture follows Thai royal traditions while incorporating elements associated with Queen Sirikit and her life and work.
Which royal chariots will be used during the procession?
Several historic royal chariots and palanquins are being restored for the ceremonies, including the Phra Maha Phichai Ratcharot, one of the principal chariots traditionally used at royal funerals.
How many days will the royal funeral ceremonies last?
The programme currently announced covers six days, from December 14 to 19, 2026, with several ceremonies and royal processions taking place during that period.
Key Points
The royal cremation of Queen Sirikit in Bangkok will be one of Thailand’s major historic events of 2026. December 15 will be the central day, but the ceremonial programme will extend over six days, with processions connecting the Grand Palace, Sanam Luang and the royal temples.
Construction of the royal crematorium is progressing alongside the restoration of the royal chariots, the production of the royal urn and sandalwood coffin, and the preparation of numerous ceremonial objects.
For international visitors, the event will also offer a unique opportunity to understand the continuing role of monarchy, Buddhism, craftsmanship and royal traditions in contemporary Thai culture.
