Officials take part during a funeral rehearsal for late Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej near the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand October 21, 2017. - REUTERS
BANGKOK (The Nation/ANN) - Some roads in bangkok to be closed today in preparation for full dress-rehearsal.
The Royal Crematorium for HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is immaculately built and is the “pride of all Thais”, as the country prepares to say a final farewell to the much-revered late monarch.
HM King Bhumibol had reigned over Thailand for seven decades, with remarkable devotion to his people. His passing on October 13 last year plunged his entire nation into deep mourning, hence his upcoming Royal Cremation has huge significance to Thais worldwide.
Royal Cremation ceremonies are scheduled to run from October 25 to 29, with the actual cremation taking place on October 26. A full dress-rehearsal for the royal processions in honour of the late King will take place today. Some roads in Bangkok will be closed to traffic during the day. Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn, who oversaw construction of the Royal Crematorium, said yesterday he was proud to have witnessed the smooth construction and impressive results.
“The structure is perfect and secure. It’s the pride of all Thais as it symbolises Thais’ gratefulness to their beloved King and Thai monarchy,” he said. Standing tall in Sanam Luang, the Royal Crematorium will also be open to members of the public from November 2 and 30. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the opening of the Royal Crematorium to the public in a ceremony on November 2.
The site will be open from 7am to 10pm. Tanasak said up to 5,000 visitors would be allowed to enter the Royal Crematorium each time, for about 45 minutes each. “Prior to the entry, they will have to undergo screening and checks,” he said.
The grand structure will be removed following the Royal Cremation.Public Health Minister Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn said the government had accorded much importance to the Royal Cremation of the late King and striven to ensure related ceremonies were proper and dignified.
Medical staff on standby
As a huge number of mourners are expected to turn up in areas near the Royal Crematorium on October 26 – with many expected to camp out overnight to ensure they have a spot near their beloved King – the Public Health Ministry has mobilised medical staff to take care of people during the important day.
Medical assistance will also be made available at other venues associated with the Royal Cremation across the country. Recognising Thais’ overwhelming love for the late King, the government has erected replicas of the Royal Crematorium in all provinces across the country so that people can bid farewell to the country’s most beloved paternal figure on the day of Royal Cremation, without having to crowd near Sanam Luang.
In addition to replicas of the Royal Crematorium, mourners can also place sandalwood flowers for the much-beloved monarch at various other venues and temples.Public Health Ministry’s permanent secretary Dr Jedsada Chokdamrongsuk said Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Teams had also been set up to help people cope with the grief about the late King’s departure.
“If you feel so sad, call Hotline 1323,” he said. Jedsada advised people to turn their sadness into power and do good things in remembrance of the late King, who had always worked hard to improve the life of his people. Public Relations Department’s official Pornpitak Mansiri said people in the prime zones would not be allowed to use selfie sticks or small chairs.To accommodate the expected huge turnout, the joint command for the Royal Cremation Ceremonies will allow people to gather along three roads around the Grand Palace. “They are the Maharaj, Tai Wang and Sanam Chai roads. From these areas, people will be able to watch the royal processions,” he said. - The Nation/ANN
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