The Grand Palace to Open for Public Mourning of the Late King; Additional Train Services and Transport Arrangements Provided

▲ The late King Bhumibol passed away recently, causing deep sorrow among the Thai people. (Photo / Reuters)

Tourism Centre / Comprehensive Report

During the 100-day royal funeral ceremony, Thailand’s Bureau of the Royal Household announced that the general public may visit the Grand Palace during opening hours to pay respects to the late King and view his remains in the Dusit Maha Prasat Hall, where they can also write messages of condolence. To assist the public in mourning King Bhumibol, the Thai government has partnered with private tourism operators to provide special transport services.

▲ The Grand Palace will be open for the public to mourn the late King. (Photo / Reuters)

1. For those wishing to visit the Sala Sahathai Samakhom Hall at the Grand Palace, the Thai Transport Operators Association, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Royal Thai Police will provide free bus services in the Royal Field area from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM between October 17 and 24. Buses will run hourly on four routes: departing from the National Stadium, Victory Monument, Wongwian Yai MRT Station, and the Bangkok Bus Terminal near Talin Chan in the Royal Field.

2. Members of the public in the Ramkhamhaeng area and near the Sports Authority of Thailand, who cannot reach the Royal Field, may go to the 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary Building of His Majesty the King at the Sports Authority of Thailand to pay respects and write messages of blessing. Additionally, during the royal funeral ceremony, two large LED screens will be set up in front of the building to broadcast the national prayer ceremonies. The broadcasts will begin at 9:00 AM on Monday, October 17, 2016.

3. For those in central Bangkok, including areas near Siam Square, MBK Center, and the National Stadium, who cannot reach the Royal Field, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports have prepared commemorative booklets. The public can pay respects and write messages of blessing in front of the late King’s portrait at the National Stadium. Additionally, during the royal funeral ceremony, a screen will be set up in front of Nimibutr Building to broadcast the national prayer ceremonies. It is recommended that the public take the BTS Skytrain to the National Stadium and alight at the National Stadium Station.

▲ The number of trains to Bangkok has increased from 132 to 150. (Photo / Reporter Chen Hanyin)

In addition, the number of train services to Bangkok has been increased from 132 to 150. Since October 14, 2016, the State Railway of Thailand has provided additional carriages and trains to Bangkok free of charge. Furthermore, 64 extra train carriages will be added daily to enhance rail transport services between Bangkok and nearby provinces. For more information, please contact the State Railway of Thailand customer service.

The public mourning hours are as follows:

* Daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM: Sala Sahathai Samakhom Hall.

The viewing hours for the late King’s remains are as follows:

* October 28, 2016, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and October 29, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. (Dusit Maha Prasat Hall)