Thais hold funeral for princess

Many Thais are wearing black to mourn the princess

An elaborate funeral ceremony is beginning in Thailand for Princess Galyani Vadhana, the elder sister of the country's revered king.

For three days during the six-day event, many Thais will wear black.

The princess died in January but it has taken 10 months to build the gilded crematorium and prepare for the event.

The royal family is deeply respected in Thailand, and correspondents say the funeral is a unifying moment at a time of deep political strife.

Lavish event

Princess Galyani, the elder sister of King Bhumibol Adulaydej, died on 1 January.

Her funeral officially started on Friday, although the main cremation ceremony will happen on Saturday and other events will take place between now and the end of Wednesday.

The new royal crematorium has been lavishly decorated with flowers, garlands and carved banana stalks.

Princess Galyani died of cancer at the age of 84

During the funeral period, television stations will be urged to monitor their output to make sure it is in keeping with the mood of mourning.

According to the Royal Household, at least 1.5 million people have already paid their respects to Princess Galyani's embalmed remains, which have lain in state at the Grand Palace since her death.

"I want to express my loyalty to her and the monarchy and I do it with my heart," food vendor Watchara Somsean told AFP news agency.

Analysts say the funeral may bring a brief period of respite to the political turmoil in the country.

Anti-government protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have been occupying the main government offices for more than two months, with the aim of toppling the administration led by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

They claim Mr Somchai is a proxy for former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a military coup in 2006.

However, Mr Thaksin and Mr Somchai still retain much support outside the capital, especially in rural areas.