Over 3.4m upcountry mourners signed condolence books
A TOTAL of 3,412,418 people have so far signed their names in the book of condolence during October 14-25 in upcountry in tribute to the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thai PBS said today.
According to the Interior Ministry, on October 25 alone 286,057 people came in to sign the condolence books and pay respect to the beloved late King.
Meanwhile Bangkok authorities are preparing to provide facilities for tremendous crowd of mourners from all over the country expected to arrive in the capital to pay respect in front of the royal urn of His Majesty the late King at the Grand Palace, scheduled to begin from Saturday onwards.
Prime Minister’s Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvadhana, secretary to the command center monitoring the arrival of people to mourn His Majesty the late King, said that the meeting thinks a large number of people will flock to the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang ceremonial ground during Oct 29-31.
On Oct 28, the Transport Ministry will conduct a test run for boat service with capacity of 400 passengers from Sathorn pier to Tha Chang pier before the operation starts the next day.
On November 1, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the compound of the Grand Palace will reopen for visitors and tourists from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will convene a meeting with tour operators to inform them about the parking areas for tour buses, including the old Government Lottery Office and the Rattanakosin Hotel.
In anticipation of the tremendous crowd of people, officials have prepared queue cards and tents to shelter them while waiting to enter the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to pay respect in front of the royal urn.
It is expected to receive 10,000 people daily.
At the same time, members of the public are advised to wear proper attires while entering the place to pay respect.
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Top: Government officials sign a condolence book and pay respect to His Majesty the late King. Photo: Thai PBS
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