Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko to attend late Thai king's funeral

We are very moved by this news. Our beloved Phrabat Somdet Phra Paraminthara Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej will never be forgotten,. The Nihon Royalty visit this month is well awaited on thai lands, His Imperial Highness has visited the Kingdom of Thailand on many occasions, and his presence is of great sentimental value to all of us. We bow in respect. Thank you.

Can anyone tell me why the funeral is this October when the King passed away last October? Has he been Lying in State or something? I mean no disrespect by my question - I would genuinely like to know.

@pussywilloow: it is Thailand, not your country. The translation of events in many countries are not exactly what it really is.

I'm well aware of that Toshiko - that's why I asked the question, hoping that maybe someone from Thailand could explain it to me.

Anyhow, I read around a bit and found that while it is an unusually long period of mourning it is a sign of just how beloved and revered the late king was to his people. And he had indeed been lying in state so that millions of people could go to pay their respects.

@pussywillow

Nornally, Thai Buddhists often wait a week or more before cremating their dead body but royal funerals are exceptional. 

The last royal funeral in Thailand was in 2008 for King Bhumibol's elder sister Princess Galyani Vadhana. That funeral followed a 100-day mourning period. 

After the late king passed away, Thai government had set the mourning for 1 year and 26 October 2017 will be the royal funeral of King Rama IX.