There will be no entry allowed on Ratchadamnoen Nai Avenue and areas adjacent to Sanam Luang starting this week and carrying on until the end of the month, according to media reports. The areas are being closed to allow for the preparation of the royal cremation ceremonies for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej which will take place from October 25th to 29th.
The areas will be reopened to the public on October 30th. This area will be used for rehearsals of the royal procession and preparation of the royal ceremonies. In order to enter, a permit issued by the committee organising the royal cremation will be required, reports the Bangkok Post.
His Majesty the King will attend a merit-making ceremony at the Grand Palace on October 13th. The date commemorates one year since the passing of the late King. During this month, a total of 30,000 security personnel will be deployed to 15 designated zones, 12 operation areas and 3 surveillance areas around the area in order ensure security during the ceremonies.
A further 20,000 security volunteers who registered earlier will be trained by the Metropolitan Police Bureau at the Army Club and serve as reinforcement forces during the ceremonies. A number of checkpoints have also been set up around Sanam Luang.
“Readiness in security and traffic management exceeds 100%,” says Acting Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Chanthep Sesawech.
Several heads of state and representatives of foreign countries are starting to announce their plans to visit Thailand this month in order to attend the ceremonies. The Japanese government has confirmed that Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko will attend the royal cremation ceremony of the late King on October 26th. The government will announce the full list of guests attending once the list is complete.
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