Hundreds brave hot weather to visit Royal cremation site
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Large crowds visited the crematorium and other buildings constructed for the funeral of Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana yesterday, one day after the official service.
A total of 4,600 Thais and 66 foreigners registered for four rounds of visits to the funeral site at Sanam Luang, which will be open from 9am to 7pm until next Tuesday.
Rounds of visits with tour guides are scheduled at 10am, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm daily.
The first group of visitors gathered outside the funeral compound at 5am and stayed and watched from a distance while awaiting registration, and later making their rounds.
A number of Buddhist monks and novices were among the visitors. Though visitors did not have to dress in black, they were advised to dress appropriately with proper footwear.
People were allowed to take photographs, said Thongthong Chand-rangsu, PM’s Office Ministry permanent secretary and a member of the organising committee.
Areas off limits to visitors are the actual crematorium, the main central pavilion and the temporary Song Tham Throne Hall.
The funeral buildings, including the crematorium, will be dismantled later, he said.
Meanwhile, Her Majesty the Queen presided over a merit-making ceremony yesterday evening to bless the late princess’ ashes.
TOURS ARRANGED
The nearby National Museum has put the main chariot and other wagons used in the funeral procession on public display and offers four guided tours each day, also ending next Tuesday.
Wanphen Mangmee, 62, was the first to enter the gate in the opening round of visits.
She arrived at Sanam Luang at 5.30am, saying she was proud to be the earliest to walk through the door.
She has visited the funerals of three past princesses and was always impressed with the splendour and unique Thai arts associated with the funeral decorations.
