Thai King Bhumibol to be cremated in October

Bangkok April 19 (IANS) The cremation ceremony of Thailand s King Bhumibol Adulyadej who died last year at the age of 88 after occupying the throne for 70 years will take place on October 26 a royal spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The date has been proposed by a government committee and approved by King Vajiralongkorn -- Bhumibol s son and successor the spokesperson told EFE news.

The ceremony will last five days according to a statement by Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam.

After the cremation Thailand will start preparing for the coronation of Vajiralongkorn who ascended the throne in December but wasn t formally crowned.

King Bhumibol passed away on October 13 last year after battling a long illness that kept him hospitalised for most of his life s last 10 years.

Bhumibol Adulyadej revered in the country as a symbol of unity ruled under the title of Rama IX and was the only monarch most Thai people have known.

--IANS
soni/vt