SATURDAY, April 27, 2024
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Massive crowd still growing at Sanam Luang

Massive crowd still growing at Sanam Luang

TENS of thousands of mourners waited patiently in long lines that criss-crossed Sanam Luang yesterday in an attempt to bid farewell and pay

The number of people was higher than during last week.
Officials had to open the entrance for mourners to go inside the Palace before the usual opening at 5am. And it closed at 9pm.
Deputy Bangkok Governor Amnuay Nimmano said in a press briefing that activities that were not linked to facilitating mourners were no longer allowed on Sanam Luang.
The order – banning hair cutting, massage, painting and handmade printing services – came from the national command centre, Amnuay said.
The First Army Region will establish subcommittees to maintain order on the site as more people are expected to come for the graduation commencement ceremony at Thammasat University, which is close to Sanam Luang, next weekend, plus the Loy Kratong festival on November 14.
Amnuay said the new panels would take care of safety and traffic during those periods. He asked people to come to pay respects to the King on weekdays to avoid overly long queues.
People from other provinces should come in groups, as Interior Ministry agencies were able to organise their travel.
Yesterday Nonthaburi Governor Nisit Chantasomwong led 750 mourners from the province to pay their respects to HM the King. And because Nonthaburi is close to the Chao Phaya, they travelled to the Palace by river to avoid road traffic. 
More people from Nonthaburi will be able to pay their respects, in trips set up by the Interior Ministry, on November 25, December 14 and January 2.
It was estimated that about 150,000 people came to Sanam Luang yesterday and 30,998 of them paid tribute to HM the King inside the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall.
The second rehearsal for Thammasat graduates was held yesterday – and went well. But the university told graduates and their families to remember that the event is being held during the mourning period for the King. 
Foreign tourists who visited the Temple of the Emerald Buddha also behaved properly. 

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