Last weekend marked the first time mourners were able to pay tribute before the Royal Urn of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Ministry of Transport made preparations to handle the huge number of people who are expected to visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok in the coming weeks to pay homage before the Royal Urn of the late King Rama IX.
The Transportation Ministry’s permanent secretary, Chartchai Tipsunave, told local media that a meeting chaired by Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith discussed the best ways to accommodate the mourners while ensuring their safety.
Media outlets noted that ferry boats are operating that shuttle mourners at major hubs, including Sathorn Central Pier near the BTS Saphan Taksin station and the Maharaj Pier. The ministry expects a large number of passengers at each of these locations.
Additionally, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority announced that it will provide 390 shuttle buses free of charge for 25 routes plus another 200 buses for 15 routes to connect key locations on the way to the Sanam Luang ground in front of the Grand Palace.
Regular buses are scheduled to operate more often and will stop at Rattanakosin Hotel, the roundabout in front of Reserve Officer Training Corps’ headquarters, a spot under Phra Pinklao Bridge and in front of the former Government Lottery Office. All of these places are close to Sanam Luang.
According to media reports, the Marine Department is going to deploy 140 officials and 20 volunteers to oversee safety at all piers along the Chao Phraya River. It will also run eight patrol boats to protect the nearby areas. Passengers are able to ride ferry and express boats on the Chao Phraya River free of charge between 10am and 8pm.
The State Railway of Thailand is expecting about 100,000 train passengers daily, with that total expected to grow on public holidays and weekends. The SRT has already unveiled plans to add more passenger carriages on a number of routes including the Bangkok-Surin, Bangkok-Khon Kaen, and Bangkok-Phitsanulok routes.
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