Bangkok: Bangkok is accelerating preparations to accommodate the public who will attend the royal funeral procession for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt held a meeting with executives of all relevant agencies to expedite preparations for the arrival of the public to await the Royal Cremation Ceremony. He assigned all departments to work carefully and expeditiously, covering infrastructure, public convenience, ceremonies, and public relations to ensure the event is held with the utmost respect and order.
According to Thai News Agency, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has expedited the inspection and improvement of the route for the royal funeral procession from Chulalongkorn Hospital to the Grand Palace, a distance of approximately 10 kilometers. Relevant agencies have been assigned to complete the procession tonight. This includes repairing damaged surfaces on Henri Dunant Road and Rama IV Road, smoothing manhole covers and drain covers on Phaya Thai Road for safety, and mobilizing personnel and cleaning equipment to clean the procession route.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has prepared public facilities including two tent sites at Sanam Luang, each capable of accommodating approximately 5,000 people, with cooling fans provided. Registration and queuing for people entering and exiting the area are being coordinated with the Joint Command Center for systematic management. The BMA has also prepared field kitchens to complement the royal kitchens and established criteria for foundations and private individuals distributing food to ensure order and reduce pollution or unpleasant odors.
Medical and public health teams are stationed along the route, with first aid stations available to provide medication and medical supplies. Emergency motorlances and mobile toilets are also being provided, and coordination is underway with department stores, hotels, and local government agencies to provide additional restrooms for the public. Sufficient trash cans and trash bags have been prepared for waste management, with staff assigned to closely monitor waste disposal points.
The meeting announced official mourning and dress code guidelines, with government agencies lowering flags to half-mast for 30 days and refraining from festive activities for the same period. Civil servants will mourn for 1 year, and the public will be asked to wear mourning clothes for 90 days. The public will be allowed to bathe the royal urn in front of the royal portrait at the Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion, Grand Palace, tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The proposal to establish a committee within Bangkok to be responsible for royal funeral arrangements aims to ensure efficiency and reduce duplication. Governor Chadchart has emphasized that the public relations department should expedite the dissemination of important information, particularly regarding travel routes, to facilitate travel planning. Internal communications will include real-time reporting by field staff and detailed work plans for management follow-up.