Large turnout to mourn Samak

A large number of people turned out at Wat Benjamabopitr on Wednesday to attend the royally sponsored bathing rite for former prime minister Samak Sundaravej, who died on Tuesday.

Body of the late prime minister Samak Sundaravej at Benjamabopitr Temple, where people attend the royally-sponsored bathing rite. Photo by Chanat Katanyu.

The body of Mr Samak, who died of liver cancer yesterday, was moved from Bamrungrad Hospital at about 12pm and arrived at Sala Bannarossapak in Wat Benjamabopitr at 1.15pm.

A royally-sponsored evening prayers will be held at the temple for seven days.

Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the Puea Thai Party chairman, was at the temple to receive Mr Samak's body at the Sala Bannarossapak pavilion.  Others who were there included former MP Chaipak Siriwat and Thirapol Noprampa, who served as secretary to Mr Samak while he was Bangkok governor.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration sent more than 20 officials to arrange flowers and two mobile toilet vehicles to the temple.  A number of army soldiers were also sent to help arrange the funeral platform.

Because of the large turnout to mourn the late Mr Samak, his family decided to start the bathing ceremony at 2pm instead of 3pm as originally scheduled.

A number of Democrat Party MPs led by Banyat Bantadtan, Tepthai Senpong and Chamni Sakdiset arrived  3.30pm.

Wife of the late prime minister Samak Sundaravej (centre) and their two daughters. Photo by Chanat Katanyu.

Other important people at the rite included Vissanu Krue-ngam, former cabinet secretary-general, Pol Maj-Gen Wimol Pao-in, acting deputy metropolitan police chief, Pol Gen Kowit Wattana and Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon, former police chiefs, Anuthin Charnvirakul, a Bhumjaithai core member, and former Thai Rak Thai core members Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Chaturon Chaisaeng and Mingkwan Sangsuwan.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said earlier today that he and other members of the cabinet and government MPs would go to the temple about 5pm.