Ever since Thailand's tough Premier Sarit Thanarat died last December of a variety of ailments aggravated by hard work and high living, his body has rested in a fetal position inside a pagoda-shaped golden urn. Last week, at the end of the 100-day mourning period, Sarit's remains were cremated in an elaborate ceremony attended by King Bhumibol, Queen Sirikit, the government, the diplomatic corps, as well as a spike-helmeted funeral band and contingents of umbrella-carrying Buddhist priests. Sarit will be remembered as one of the few leaders in Southeast Asia who managed to build a firm, anti-Communist regime; but...
Thailand: Sarit's Legacy
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