Bangkok: Pipat presided over a meeting with security and traffic management officials for the Royal Cremation Ceremony of Her Majesty the Queen Mother. He inspected the readiness of Sanam Luang to facilitate public access to pay respects to the royal remains tomorrow, the first day. Over 10,000 people are expected to attend.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, led a meeting to assess preparations as Chairman of the Security and Traffic Management Committee for the Royal Cremation Ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother. The meeting took place at the Sri Burapha Auditorium, Thammasat University, Tha Prachan Campus, and included Police General Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, along with representatives from several key agencies such as the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Public Health, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).
Mr. Pipat, in a statement following the meeting, emphasized the comprehensive preparations required to accommodate the public’s arrival. These preparations cover both land and water logistics, including parking arrangements. The Ministry of Public Health is tasked with ensuring health and safety protocols, and steps are being taken to manage potential water overflow in Bangkok. With an anticipated crowd of up to 10,000 people arriving to pay their respects, meticulous planning is crucial.
Specific attention is being given to individuals suffering from mental illnesses, with the Ministry of Public Health taking the lead on interventions. Police officers will not be involved in these cases; instead, medical professionals will oversee the care of these individuals. This initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes screening the approximately 4 million mental health patients from provinces before they reach Bangkok, with further assessments by the Royal Thai Police.
Mr. Pipat also discussed transportation arrangements, noting that all BMTA buses are prepared for use. The recommended travel methods include trains and buses from designated pick-up points to ease congestion around Sanam Luang. Group travel from other provinces is expected to commence on November 17th, with travelers asked to inform the Ministry of the Interior for better coordination. Travelers using non-regular transportation are advised to inspect their vehicles thoroughly, and highway police will assist with the safe transport of monks into the city. For public transportation, coordination with airlines and tour buses ensures normal fare rates are maintained without exploitation through price hikes.
In preparation for emergencies, hospitals are on standby to provide prompt services to the public. The Sanam Luang tunnel, which can accommodate 2,500 individuals, will be used in rounds to prevent overcrowding. Mr. Pipat expressed confidence in the preparations, drawing from his prior experience in managing similar events.
Post-meeting, Mr. Pipat, along with the National Police Chief and his team, conducted an inspection of the Sanam Luang entrance, public parking, and waiting tents for attendees. The inspection confirmed that the arrangements were proceeding smoothly.
On November 9th, the Bureau of the Royal Household will open the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall for public respects to the royal urn. The scheduled visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., divided into four periods to manage the flow of visitors effectively.