On Oct. 26, the body of Thailand's late king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, will be cremated, signaling the complete end of a magical era. For months, the Thai government has prepared for an event of the century — a royal funeral. The cost of Bhumibol's funeral is estimated at $90 million.
The funeral will last five days, beginning Oct. 25 with the final night vigil services in front of the royal urn and coffin at the Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace. The next day, the coffin that holds the body of King Bhumibol will be transported on the royal chariot, pulled by hundreds of men. It will leave the Grand Palace and reach the main crematorium located in Sanam Luang, the huge square reserved for state ceremonies.
A pyre made of rare "kalamet" tree wood will be lit at 5:30 p.m., when the king will be cremated. The next day, his ashes will be collected in a specially made urn to be placed inside the Grand Palace at Chakri Mahaprasart Hall. Both the cremation and the collection of ashes will be televised nationally. It is expected that Thais will show their last respect to the man they believe was the country's greatest king in modern times.