Thai Cremation Rite Honors Slain Troops
King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit presided Wednesday over a mass cremation of 156 soldiers, policemen and paramilitary rangers killed by foreign troops or Communist insurgents in 1987.
As the king lighted a ceremonial cremation flame, Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda, Cabinet ministers, top military officers and hundreds of soldiers, policemen, government officials and civilians paid their last respects to the dead.
The Buddhist rite took place at Phra Sri Mahathat Voramahaviharn temple on the outskirts of Bangkok.
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