Bangkok: Officials have set up a dedicated area around Sanam Luang for individuals wishing to pay their respects in front of the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. The arrangement is part of the preparations to accommodate public gatherings following the announcement of Her Majesty’s passing.
According to Thai News Agency, the Bureau of the Royal Household has announced the schedule for the public to pay their respects before the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit at the Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion in the Grand Palace. The area will be open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., starting Monday, October 27, 2025. A book of condolence is also available for the public to sign.
The atmosphere around Sanam Luang is somber, with two screening points set up-one located in front of Thammasat University and the other at the tunnel by the Royal Plaza. Since this morning, individuals dressed in formal black mourning attire have been passing through these points, presenting their original national ID cards or passports for identification.
Within Sanam Luang, two designated waiting areas have been established to accommodate the influx of mourners. Tents have been set up opposite Thammasat University and alongside the Supreme Court, with rows of chairs arranged to seat 10 people per row. Currently, the primary waiting area is on the Thammasat side, where over 4,000 chairs have been prepared. Groups of approximately 50 people will be organized to pay their respects at a time.
Traffic restrictions have been implemented around the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang to manage the movement of people. Officials encourage the public to use public transportation, with shuttle services available to transport individuals to the inner areas. For those opting to travel by private vehicle, designated parking spots are available around the event area.