A royal crematorium or Meru, named after Mt. Meru, the abode of the Hindu gods and with the same Thai spelling, though in case of a crematorium, the term is pronounced Mehn, often Phra Mehn. Whilst most temples have their own crematorium, for royalty one is build specially for each royal death, traditionally on Sanam Luang. This one is the funeral pyre used for Princess Galyani Watthana (fig.), the sister of King Bhumipon. After the funeral rites royal crematoria are decommissioned and dismantled, as they are highly personalized with insignia and symbols of the deceased.

In addition, it is believed that a permanent royal crematorium would be a continuous reminder of ones looming death and perhaps might also adversely affect ones karma.