Bangkok: The Army Commander-in-Chief has inspected the restoration of the royal chariots and palanquins, which is reported to be over 99% complete. General Phana Klaewplodthuk, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, expressed confidence that the restoration work will be finished by October, just in time for the rehearsals of the royal procession.
According to Thai News Agency, General Klaewplodthuk visited the Royal Chariot Workshop located within the National Museum in Bangkok to review the progress. The restoration involves several key royal chariots and palanquins intended for use in the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Among these are the Phra Maha Phichai Royal Chariot, the Vejayanta Royal Chariot, and three smaller royal chariots. Other significant items under restoration include the Phra Yan Mas Sam Lam Khan, the Phra Thinang Rajendrayan, the Phra Seliang Kleeb Bua, and the Naga-shaped staircase.
Major General Panu Panthong, the Commander of the Ordnance Industrial Center, Royal Thai Army Ordnance Department, provided insights into the restoration project. He mentioned that cooperation has been received from multiple agencies, including King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), which is responsible for overseeing the structural aspects in collaboration with the Royal Thai Army Ordnance Department. Meanwhile, the Fine Arts Department, particularly the 10th Engineering Battalion, is handling the restoration of colors and patterns. The restoration of the Phra Maha Vichai Raj (Great Victory Monument) and its components is progressing well, currently over 99% complete. The entire project is expected to conclude by the end of October, in line with the four scheduled rehearsals for the royal ceremony. Major General Panthong expressed confidence that the completed restoration will be a fitting tribute to His Majesty's honor.