Public transport services in Thailand will be increased during the late King’s royal cremation ceremonies during October 25th to 29th, reports local media. The Transport Ministry wants to ensure the public is able to pay their respects during this time.
Bus service will be increased by 35% with more trips from the provinces to Bangkok already approved. There will also be free rides on public buses and 3rd class trains between now and the end of October. Train service will be increased during the 5-days royal cremation ceremonies with 244 trips per day scheduled.
Thai Airways announced it will add 20 extra flights a day while Thai Smile Air will operate an additional 42 flights a day in order to accommodate 72,384 passengers. Meanwhile the Transport Ministry has asked Chao Phraya Express Boat Co to operate a free boat service on select routes.
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is also stepping up service during the royal cremation ceremony with shuttle buses on 32 routes to Sanam Luang planned. In addition to this, all buses without air conditioning that lead to Wat Phra Kaeo, Sanam Luang and nearby areas will giving rides free of charge
The Airport Rail Link, the MRT Purple Line, and BTS Skytrain extensions from On Nut to Samrong and Wong Wian Yai to Bang Wa will provide free services from October 25th to 27th. The MRT Blue Line will offer free service on October 26th to help accommodate the large number of people expected to pay their respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at his royal funeral ceremony on this day.
“The royal funeral rites for the late King will be held next month and many people are expected to flock there by buses and trains. So, the free rides period will be extended for another month,” says Nattaporn Jatusripitak, an Adviser to the Office of the Prime Minister, to the Bangkok Post.
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