Royal funeral chariot

New funeral chariots were commissioned during the reign of King Rama I, at the beginning of the Rattanakosin period.

The chariots, built of teak and ornately carved, gilded and decorated, have a tall, tiered design symbolizing Mount Meru surrounded by devata (angels) and nāga.

[1][2] The Maha Phichai Ratcharot was used for the funeral procession of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October 2017.

It has been used 25 times, most recently in 2012 for the cremation of Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda, the late king's cousin.

Following custom, The doorsill of the exhibition hall and a section of the museum wall are demolished and a path is laid each time the chariots need to be brought outside.