Authorities will begin building the funeral pyre for late King Bhumibol Adulyadej next year, the government said on Monday, adding 8,000 people will be involved in the cremation ceremony.
Daily Buddhist funeral rites have been held for the king at the Grand Palace in Bangkok but a royal cremation will not take place for at least another year.
The first meeting of the royal pyre-building committee will be held next Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Thanasak Patimaprakorn said on Monday.
Apart from officials, skilled artists will be invited to help with the building and decorations.
Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn said a committee had been set up to oversee construction of the king's cremation pyre in a 74.5-rai Sanam Luang public square in front of the palace.
"The exact location of the pyre will be known by Jan 10," he said.
He added a mock-up model would be built first to get all the details right.
"Building is expected to be completed before September 2017 but it depends on the weather," the general told reporters, adding that up to 8,000 people will take part in the cremation ceremony.
