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Leicester squad to fly to Thailand for Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha funeral after Cardiff match

Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha
Image: Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha died in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium last Saturday

The majority of Leicester City's squad will fly to Thailand following their match against Cardiff City on Saturday to attend the funeral of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, Sky Sports News understands.

The club's owner died in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium last Saturday, along with four others, after attending the Foxes' draw with West Ham United.

Jamie Vardy comforts Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha
Image: Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel accompany Srivaddhanaprabha's son Aiyawatt at the memorial to his father outside the King Power Stadium

Srivaddhanaprabha's body has arrived at the Buddhist temple in Bangkok where his funeral - which will last several days - will begin on Saturday.

Leicester's squad, management and key staff will fly to Bangkok by private jet following the match in Cardiff, which kicks-off at 3pm UK time.

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Vardy says the team want to put in a performance against Cardiff to honour Srivaddhanaprabha

They will spend less than 36 hours in Thailand before flying back to prepare for next Saturday's match against Burnley, which will be their first home match since the crash.

Leicester's players are also expected to attend a special ceremony at the temple where Srivaddhanaprabha's body lies at some stage during their visit.

A crane moves part of the wreckage from the helicopter crash at Leicester City Football Club. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday November 1, 2018. Leicester Chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside King Power Stadium. See PA story SOCCER Leicester. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
Image: Wreckage from the helicopter crash has been moved from outside the stadium

The king of Thailand has bestowed special sponsorship on Srivaddhanaprabha's funeral, meaning his body will lie in a special eight-sided golden casket for seven days to allow mourners to pay their respects.