Burnt Sandalwood Offerings Scattered in River, Sea (Photos)

Officials scatter the ashes of sandalwood flowers in a ceremony in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province

BANGKOK — Within hours after King Bhumibol was cremated, the ashes of offerings made nationwide were scattered Friday morning in canal, river and sea.

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Ceremonies that saw mourners leave sandalwood flowers morning through night yesterday concluded with officials taking the ashes to be poured into the kingdom’s waterways.

In Prachuap Khiri Khan, officials poured ashes into the gulf at Hua Hin while those in the northeastern province of Nong Khai performed a ceremony in the Mekong River.

This symbolic act reflects the common cremation tradition of scattering ashes of the deceased into waterways for their historic and cultural significance.

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Officials in Nong Khai province poured ashes into the Mekong River.
Official scatter flower ashes in the Mae Klong River in Kanchanaburi province.
Officials in Phitsanulok province pour ashes into the Nan River.
A monk and officials pour flower ashes into the Huai Luang Canal in Udon Thani province.
Officials perform an ash scattering ceremony at Surin’s Huai Tab Tan canal.