Sandalwood Harvesting for Royal Funeral Rites Completed in Kui Buri

On August 30, 2026, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin announced that the mission to harvest and process sandalwood from Kui Buri National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province has reached its target. The wood is intended for the construction of the royal sandalwood urn (Phra Kos Chanth) and the royal sandalwood casket (Phra Heeb Chanth) for the funeral rites of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati.

According to the Ministry, the operation began on August 21, 2026. Officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, along with the Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Phetchaburi branch), were tasked with the precise selection, cutting, transport, and processing of the timber. Minister Suchart emphasized that the project required extreme care and craftsmanship to ensure the quality of the materials used for these sacred items.

For residents and travelers, this announcement marks the conclusion of a sensitive logistical operation within the national park. While the harvesting phase is complete, the public should remain aware that the focus now shifts to the artisanal construction phase. Specific details regarding the timeline for the construction of the urn and casket, as well as any potential public viewing opportunities of the finished items, remain to be confirmed by the relevant royal authorities.