Venues to pay respects in Bangkok

BANGKOK The Bureau of the Royal Household has announced that during the 100 days of the Royal Funeral Rites, members of the general public are allowed to pay their respects and write messages of condolence on the passing of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, at the Grand Palace as follows:

• Daily 0830 to 1600: Sala Sahathai Samakom Pavilion. People may pay their respects to His Majesty the Late King’s royal remains at Dusit Maha Prasat Hall.

• 28 October 2016, 1300 to 1600 and 29 October onwards, between 0900 to 1600.

To assist members of the public who need to travel to pay their respects, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports in collaboration with the public and private tourism sector has provided transportation that began 17 October, as follows:

1. For members of the public wishing to travel to the Sala Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion at the Grand Palace, in the Sanam Luang area, the Thai Transportation Operators Association, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Royal Thai Police are providing free bus services until 24 October at 0830 to 1500. The hourly bus services cover four routes, starting from the National Stadium, Victory Monument, Wongwian Yai BTS Station, and the Bangkok Bus Terminal in Talingchan.

Members of the public in the Ramkhamhaeng area and within the vicinity of the Sports Authority of Thailand who are unable to visit the Sanam Luang area, will be able to pay their respects and write messages of condolence in front of the late monarch’s portrait at the Sports Authority of Thailand’s Commemorating His Majesty’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary Building. In addition, the national broadcast of the 100-day prayers during the Royal Funeral Rites is being made available on two large LED screens in front of the Anniversary Building. These broadcasts began on Monday, 17th October, at 0900 and will continue during the period of mourning.

3. For members of the public in the city centre, including Siam Square, MBK Complex and within the vicinity of the National Stadium who are unable to visit Sanam Luang, the Department of Physical Education, Ministry of Tourism and Sports has prepared a book of condolence for the general public to pay their respects and write messages of condolence in front of the late monarch’s portrait at the National Stadium.

In addition, the national broadcast of the 100-day prayers during the Royal Funeral Rites will be made available at the Nimibutr Building. Members of the public are advised to travel to the National Stadium by the BTS Skytrain, getting off at the National Stadium Station.

In addition, the number of trains coming to Bangkok has been increased to 150 from 132. The State Railway of Thailand has added extra carriages and extra trains for free travel to Bangkok. An additional 64 carriages daily are now available on trains operating between Bangkok and the surrounding provinces. For more information, please contact the State Railway of Thailand Call Centre at 1690.