A seven-day Buddhist funeral for Leicester City billionaire owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha started today in Bangkok

Today, a seven-day Buddhist funeral for Leicester City billionaire owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has started in Bangkok with Thai royalty, dignitaries and leading sporting figures in attendance.

The funeral which has been granted 'Royal sponsorship' will last for several days and in recognition of his standing in the country, according to Buddhist tradition. The Royal accolade includes a Royal Bathing Rite for the body and a special eight-sided urn will hold his remains.

Mr. Vichai, 60, two members of his staff, his pilot and his partner all died in a horrific helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium last Saturday.

The Leicester City squad is due to travel

12,000 mile round trip to Thailand for the funeral shortly after their 3pm fixture against Cardiff today.