Bangkok: A seven-day (Sattama War) memorial service was conducted to pay respects and dedicate merit to Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavadi, Krom Luang Rajasarinisiripatchara Mahavajrarajathida. The event took place at the Santi Maitri Building, Government House, attended by dignitaries, government officials, and representatives from various agencies.
According to Thai News Agency, the ceremony commenced at 7:30 AM, with Somdej Phra Phutthacharn, member of the Supreme Sangha Council, presiding over the religious aspects, while Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, led the lay ceremony. Among the attendees were cabinet ministers, heads of government agencies under the Prime Minister's Office, and staff from Government House.
Ms. Yupapha Thawiwattanakitbaworn, Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office, along with executives and staff from the Office of the Permanent Secretary, also took part in the ceremony. The Cabinet has sanctioned the conduct of religious ceremonies on the 7th, 15th, 50th, and 100th days (Satamavara) following the Princess's passing, to be held in Bangkok, provinces, and overseas.
During the memorial, the lay chairman performed traditional rituals, including lighting incense and candles, and making ceremonial offerings before the image of the Princess. Ten monks of high rank recited Buddhist prayers, followed by the offering of gifts and food to the monks and the performing of funeral rites. Participants engaged in meditation to dedicate merit to the Princess and conducted a water-pouring ceremony as a symbolic gesture of receiving blessings.
The ceremony concluded with an alms-giving event, where twenty monks received offerings in front of the Santi Maitri Building and the Thai Khu Fah Building. The Sattama War Merit-Making Ceremony, a royal and Buddhist tradition, is observed on the seventh day after a monarch's passing to honor their contributions and continue royal customs.