World: Princess Galyani Vadhana

A 15-day public period of mourning has been declared for Princess Galyani Vadhana, granddaughter of His Majesty King Rama V Chulalongkorn and elder sister of His Majesty King Rama IX Bhumipol Adulyadej. The Royal Family has announced that they will observe a 100-day mourning period.

The princess, daughter of Prince Mahidol and his wife Sangwal, a commoner, died of abdominal cancer at the age of 84. She is survived by her daughter and grandson.

Today, many Thais are wearing black as a sign of mourning. Thousands of mourners have assembled at Siriraj hospital to pay their respects to the Princess.

The interior ministry has asked entertainment centers to refrain from indulging in their usual activities as a mark of respect for the Princess. Flags at government buildings will be flown at half-mast. Several political parties have suspended discussions during the mourning period to show respect.

It is a sad day for the Thai people, as the Princess was a great patron of the arts, and a fine unofficial representative of her people in the world. Our deepest sympathies to the Thai Royal Family and our Thai friends everywhere.

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