Thailand Declares December 16 Holiday for Queen Sirikits Royal Cremation

Thailand’s Cabinet has approved Wednesday, 16 December 2026, as a special government holiday for the royal cremation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

The decision, made on 10 November 2026, gives government agencies and the public a clear date around which to plan, as the country prepares for five days of royal ceremonies from 15 to 19 December. The central ceremony will take place at the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang, the historic ceremonial ground beside the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Sanam Luang will be the centre of the royal cremation ceremony on 16 December.

The holiday marks the central day of the royal ceremonies

The special government holiday falls on the second day of the official five-day royal programme. It is the day when the royal funerary urn will be conveyed from the Grand Palace to the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang, followed later by the royal cremation ceremony.

The Cabinet’s designation means 16 December will be observed as a special holiday for government offices. The decision reflects the national significance of the royal cremation and allows state agencies to support ceremonial arrangements.

For the wider public, the date is also likely to affect travel, access around key ceremonial areas, and the rhythm of public services, especially in Bangkok. As with major royal ceremonies, people should expect official guidance closer to the time on routes, viewing areas, transport changes, and security arrangements.

The official programme runs from 15 to 19 December

The royal ceremonies will unfold over five days, with events centred on the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang. The schedule released earlier sets out the main rites and the movement of the royal funerary urn, royal relics, and royal ashes.

Date	Time	Ceremony and location
Tuesday, 15 December	5pm	Royal merit-making ceremony ahead of the cremation at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, Grand Palace
Wednesday, 16 December	7am	Royal funerary urn conveyed to the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang
Wednesday, 16 December	4.30pm	Royal cremation ceremony at the royal crematorium, Sanam Luang
Thursday, 17 December	8am	Royal relics collected at the royal crematorium, Sanam Luang
Thursday, 17 December	After collection	Royal relics and royal ashes conveyed to the Grand Palace
Friday, 18 December	5pm	Royal merit-making ceremony for the royal relics at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, Grand Palace

The programme highlights the role of two of Bangkok’s most important ceremonial sites. Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, within the Grand Palace, has long been associated with high royal ceremonies. Sanam Luang, directly facing the palace precinct, has served as the setting for major royal rites, including royal cremations.

What happens on 16 December

The main day begins early. At 7am, the royal funerary urn will be conveyed to the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang. This procession is one of the most formal and visible parts of the ceremony, linking the Grand Palace with the temporary royal crematorium built for the occasion.

The royal cremation ceremony is scheduled for 4.30pm on the same day. The timing makes 16 December the focal point of the five-day programme and the reason for the Cabinet’s special holiday declaration.

For people in Bangkok, the areas around the Grand Palace, Sanam Luang, Rattanakosin Island, and nearby roads may be affected by ceremonial preparations and security controls. Details on public access and transport arrangements are expected to come through official channels nearer the ceremony dates.

The route between the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang is central to the day’s ceremonies.

The days after the cremation continue the rites

The ceremonies do not end with the cremation itself. On 17 December at 8am, the Queen Mother’s royal relics will be collected at the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang. The royal relics and royal ashes will then be conveyed to the Grand Palace.

On 18 December at 5pm, a royal merit-making ceremony for the royal relics will take place at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall. This continues the religious and royal observances that frame the cremation within established court tradition.

The official programme runs until 19 December, completing the five-day period of ceremonies.

What the public should keep in mind

The Cabinet’s announcement gives institutions, schools, families, workers, and travellers time to prepare. Because the declared holiday is a special government holiday, the clearest direct effect is on government agencies.

Private businesses, shops, and other organisations may issue their own arrangements. People with appointments at state offices, planned travel into central Bangkok, or business near the Grand Palace should check updates before the ceremony period.

Practical points to watch include:

• Government office closures on Wednesday, 16 December

• Possible changes to public transport around ceremonial areas

• Road closures or restricted access near Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace

• Official guidance on public attendance, dress, and conduct

• Adjusted schedules for schools, services, and local institutions

  
  

For many in Thailand, the ceremonies will be a moment of national remembrance. The holiday creates space for the country to observe the royal cremation with the solemnity and order expected for an event of this scale.

The key date is now clear: Wednesday, 16 December 2026, when the royal funerary urn will be conveyed to Sanam Luang and the royal cremation ceremony for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother will take place.