A Royal cremation is being held today at Khao Phraya Sangkharam Temple School in Lan Sak district of Uthai province for 20 students and three teachers, who died when a double-decked coach, taking them on an educational field trip to Nonthaburi, caught fire on Vibhavadi Rangsit highway on October 1.
Officials, teachers, students, relatives of the victims and members of the public are taking part in the religious activities, which started at 9am. Chaired by Gen Surayud Chulanont, president of the Privy Council, the funerals are expected to conclude by 8pm tonight.
Funeral pyres have been constructed on the school grounds and the ashes of those who died will be returned to their families to be taken home for their own religious ceremonies.
Pope Francis had issued a statement expressing his deep condolences to the families of the victims and wishing that their souls will rest in peace.
