Culture
Ceremonial Harvesting of Sandalwood for Royal Funeral Rites
Thai officials have participated in a traditional ceremony to harvest naturally deceased sandalwood trees in Kui Buri National Park for the upcoming royal funeral of Princess Bajrakitiyabha.
On August 20, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supamas Isarabhakdi, alongside Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin, attended a sacred ceremony in Kui Buri National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The event marked the ritual harvesting of naturally deceased sandalwood trees, which are designated for use in the royal funeral rites of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati.
The ceremony was presided over by Air Chief Marshal Somkid Sukbang, a senior royal court official. Representatives from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Fine Arts Department, and the Ministry of Culture were also in attendance, joined by local officials and members of the public.
For residents and travelers, this event signifies a period of national mourning and cultural observance. While the harvesting process is a formal state procedure, visitors to the Kui Buri area should be aware that such ceremonies involve high-level security and may temporarily affect local traffic or access to specific park areas. As the royal funeral preparations continue, further details regarding the schedule of rites and potential impacts on public activities remain to be confirmed by the Royal Household Bureau and relevant government agencies.