Late King-Father’s Crematorium Completely Built

The construction of the crematorium for late King-Father Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk has completed, Deputy Prime Minister Samdech Chaufea Veang Kong Sam Ol said in a meeting held yesterday under the chairmanship of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia.

According to Samdech Kong Sam Ol, also Minister of the Royal Palace and Permanent Deputy Chairman of National Committee for Organizing the Royal Funeral Ceremony, the crematorium located at the open square of Veal Preah Merhu in front of the National Museum, next to the Royal Palace, was completely built after over 11 weeks of construction.

The remaining work is only cleaning, he added.

Addressing the meeting, Samdech Techo Hun Sen highly valued the construction, saying that it is a historic construction with Khmer architecture and tradition.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen also appreciated the engineers and workers for having invested their efforts in the construction work.

The construction began on Nov. 1, 2012 with a total cost of around US$1.2 million.

According to the schedule, the royal cremation for the late King-Father will be held on Feb. 4, 2013. The Royal Body will be moved from the Royal Palace to Veal Preah Merhu on Feb. 1.

The procession of moving the Royal Body and the cremation ceremony will be live broadcast through the country’s radio stations and TV channels.

Cambodia has recently announced the 2nd official mourning period for the late King-Father to be held from Feb. 1-7. During the mourning period, the national flags must be flying at 1/3 below the top of the mast across the country, while entertainment activities including TV and radio entertainment programs have to be suspended.

King-Father Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk passed away on Oct. 15, 2012 at 01:20 am (local time in Phnom Penh) in Beijing, China at the age of 90 from natural causes.

Sourced: AKP