Mourners will be granted access to pay respects before His Majesty The King’s body in the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall at the Grand Palace starting this weekend with the government putting in place several regulations to ensure the proceedings are safe and orderly, local media reported.
An estimated 10,000 people each day will be allowed in with the joint Peace and Order Administration Centre working to maintain order and efficiency throughout the process. Authorities are preparing for huge crowds as Thais continue to pay their respects to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Access to the throne hall will be allowed starting on Saturday after a 15-day merit-making ceremony is completed.
According to the Royal Household Bureau, mourners will be allowed to pay respects before the late monarch’s urn each day, except during royal merit-making ceremonies. The throne hall will be opened at intervals in order for the royal rites to take place as scheduled, Pongsawat Phanjit, deputy commander of the First Army Region, told the Bangkok Post.
Mourners planning on visiting the throne room have been advised by The Royal Household Bureau to dress entirely in black for the occasion. Additionally, women must wear dresses or skirts that extend below the knees and are advised to wear stockings. Men are requested to not wear denim or T-shirts with black ties being recommended. Those wearing flip-flops, sleeveless shirts or revealing outfits will not be permitted to enter.
Between today and Friday mourners can continue to pay their respects before a portrait of His Majesty and sign condolence books at Sahathai Samakhom Pavillion.
Pongsawat told the newspaper preparations were under way to accommodate mourners in the adjacent area outside the Grand Palace as it looks to ensure everyone is able to pay their respects.
Image via www.finearts.go.th/nat/
