Jamie Vardy prays at Bangkok temple as Leicester City players attend funeral of owner killed in helicopter crash
JAMIE Vardy kneeled in prayer as he paid his respects to Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in Bangkok.
Vardy and teammates raced through the night, travelling 12,000 miles, to join the commemorations in the Thai capital today.
The star striker was seen kneeling alongside teammate Andy King at a shrine adorned with floral tributes at Wat Debsirindrawas Ratchaworawiharn Temple.
Defender Harry Maguire held a floral garland as the players joined other mourners for a service to Mr Srivaddhanaprabha.
Early today the team, wearing black suits with shirts and ties, looked sombre as they followed manager Claude Puel to funeral.
Leading the group was club captain Wes Morgan, Vardy and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Just hours previously Leicester’s players endured a rollercoaster of emotions as they beat Cardiff 1-0 in a Premier League clash at the King Power Stadium.
Before the game the team’s visibly moved stars wore t-shirts with Mr Srivaddhanaprabha’s face and the word “Boss” on in tribute to their much-loved chairman.
In a perfect tribute to the 60-year-old billionaire Demarai Gray scored 55 minute winner and whipped off his dark grey Leicester shirt to reveal a message saying: "“FOR KHUN VICHAI."
Last weekend Vichai was killed along with four others when his helicopter crashed shortly after taking off from the King Power.
The world of football was rocked by the news, with tributes flooding in to a man known for his warmth, kindness and love of the beautiful game.
It was also revealed that Schmeichel was close to the scene when the chopper crashed and was left in floods of tears as he gazed upon the wreckage.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Danish goalkeeper said he was "totally devastated and heartbroken" by his boss's death.
Mr Srivaddhanaprabha’s funeral will last seven days – having begun yesterday – and his remains will be placed in a giant cold urn donated by the King of Thailand.
On Friday a hearse was seen arriving at the temple in the Thai capital.
While Mr Srivaddhanaprabha's son Aiyawatt and wife Aimon arrived in the city ahead of the funeral.
The grand commemorations are expected to be a regal affair with Thai royalty, dignitaries and leading sporting figures to attend.
Mr Srivaddhanaprabha's body was flown back to his native Thailand on Friday and a private gathering was held before the ceremony.
During the funeral, gifts given by the Thai monarchy, including an octagonal urn, will be on display and musicians will play drums and flutes.
Funeral details, issued to Thai media, said a bathing ceremony would start at a temple in Bangkok on the first day of the commemorations.
This will be followed by recitation ceremonies over seven days. The date of a cremation ceremony has not been set yet.
Because of Mr Vichai's contributions to various charities, the funeral has been described as "royal sponsored".
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