Ceremonial grounds closed to accommodate religious ceremony
All nine screening points providing entry to the Royal Cremation Ceremony were temporary closed until 8pm on Wednesday, when a religious ceremony in the Grand Palace was due to be completed, the joint command centre for the Royal Cremation Ceremony reported on Wednesday.
Authorities also said at a daily press conference at the media centre in Thammasat University that people should not be worried about the temporary closure, because the ceremonial grounds at Sanam Luang could accommodate many more people.
Deputy Commander of Metropolitan Police Pol Maj-General Jirasan Kaewsangaek said people who had queued to enter the Royal Cremation Ceremony would have to wait a bit longer, as entrances to the grounds would be closed until about 8pm.
“We understand that people are wanting to get into the Royal Cremation Ceremony, but we have to spare the area for this evening’s religious ceremony, which the Royal Family will also attend, so some of the area inside the ceremonial grounds is still not open to the public,” Jirasan said.
“Due to the restriction in some areas, officers have to close all screening points but we will open again right after the area is prepared to facilitate the people.”
He added that the people in the queue would definitely be able to enter the venue, because the area could facilitate up to 110,000 people and only 20,000 had turned up by Wednesday morning.