Bangkok police advise 23 alternative routes for October 31 royal funeral rehearsal

The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has announced road closures and 23 recommended alternative routes around the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang on Saturday (October 31), when rehearsals for the Royal Cremation Ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother will take place from 6.30am to 7.30pm.

Police have advised motorists to plan their journeys in advance and allow an additional one to two hours for travel, as traffic restrictions will affect several roads around Bangkok's historic Rattanakosin Island.

The rehearsals will be divided into two main periods, with processions 1, 2 and 3 taking place in the morning, followed by procession 6 in the afternoon and evening.

Morning rehearsals from 6.30am to noon

The first three processions will be rehearsed between 6.30am and noon, covering routes around the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Sanam Luang.

The first procession, scheduled from 7am to 9am, will move from Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to Wat Phra Chetuphon, commonly known as Wat Pho, along Maha Rat and Thai Wang roads.

The second procession, from 7.30am to 10am, will travel from Wat Pho to Sanam Luang via Sanam Chai and Ratchadamnoen Nai roads.

The third rehearsal, scheduled from 10am to 11.30am, will take place around the Royal Crematorium at Sanam Luang.

Police have identified 16 roads and sois subject to traffic management or closures during the morning session: Na Hap Phoei, Lak Mueang, Maha Rat, Thai Wang, Chetuphon, Setthakan, Phra Phiphit, Sanam Chai, Ratchadamnoen Nai, Phra Chan, Na Phra That, Na Phra Lan, Ratchini, Charoen Krung between the Territorial Defence Command roundabout and Saphan Mon intersection, Kanlayanamitri and Soi Saranrom.

Motorists travelling through Rattanakosin Island in the morning are advised to use alternative routes including Tanao, Fueang Nakhon, Ti Thong, Dinso, Chakkraphet, Tri Phet, Chakkrawat, Phahurat and Burapha roads.

Other recommended routes include Krung Kasem, Charoen Krung beyond Saphan Mon intersection, Bamrung Mueang beyond Si Kak Sao Chingcha intersection, Ratchadamnoen Klang, Luang, Lan Luang, Nakhon Sawan, Worachak, Chakkraphatdi Phong and Somdet Phra Pinklao roads.

Afternoon and evening rehearsals until 7.30pm

The rehearsal of procession 6 is scheduled from 3.30pm to 7.30pm, although preparations and movements along Ratchini Road will begin earlier.

Between 2pm and 4pm, rehearsal activities will take place along Ratchini Road.

From 4pm to 4.20pm, the procession will move from the Territorial Defence Command to the Grand Palace via Sanam Chai and Na Phra Lan roads.

Between 5pm and 5.25pm, the procession will travel from the Grand Palace to Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram, using Na Phra Lan, Kanlayanamitri and Atsadang roads.

From 5.45pm to 6.15pm, the procession will continue from Wat Ratchabophit to Wat Bovoranives Vihara, passing along Atsadang, Ratchabophit, Fueang Nakhon, Bamrung Mueang, Kanlayanamitri, Sanam Chai, Ratchadamnoen Nai, Ratchadamnoen Klang, Dinso and Phra Sumen roads.

The final section, from 6.30pm to 7pm, will run from Wat Bovoranives Vihara towards Royal Thai Army Headquarters via Wisut Kasat Road.

Sixteen roads and sois will be subject to traffic restrictions during the afternoon and evening session: Na Hap Phoei, Lak Mueang, Thai Wang, Sanam Chai, Ratchadamnoen Nai, inbound Ratchadamnoen Klang, Na Phra That, Na Phra Lan, Ratchini, inbound Somdet Phra Pinklao, Charoen Krung between the Territorial Defence Command roundabout and Saphan Mon intersection, Kanlayanamitri, Soi Saranrom, Dinso, Phra Sumen and Atsadang between Phan Phiphop and Saphan Mon intersections.

Police recommend 23 alternative routes

The MPB has identified 23 alternative roads or road sections for motorists travelling during the afternoon and evening rehearsals.

For journeys around the Chao Phraya riverside and Tha Maharaj, motorists can use Maha Rat, Chetuphon, Setthakan, Phra Phiphit and Phra Chan roads.

Within the historic old-town area, the recommended alternatives are Tanao, Fueang Nakhon, Ti Thong, Chakkraphet, Tri Phet, Chakkrawat, Phahurat and Burapha roads.

For journeys around the outer sections of Rattanakosin Island, motorists can use Krung Kasem, Charoen Krung from Saphan Mon intersection, Bamrung Mueang from Si Kak Sao Chingcha intersection, outbound Ratchadamnoen Klang, Luang, Lan Luang, Nakhon Sawan, Worachak and Chakkraphatdi Phong roads.

Motorists travelling between Bangkok's Phra Nakhon and Thonburi sides are advised to use the outbound section of Somdet Phra Pinklao Road.

The availability of individual routes will depend on the direction of travel and traffic-management arrangements during each rehearsal.

Public advised to use MRT and river transport

Police have urged motorists to avoid bringing private vehicles into the affected areas unless necessary, particularly around the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang.

Public transport is recommended where possible, including the MRT Blue Line at Sanam Chai Station and Chao Phraya river boat services.

Motorists should allow at least one to two additional hours for their journeys and follow instructions from traffic police, as road restrictions may change according to the movement of the rehearsals.

Anyone requiring further information about road closures, wishing to report a traffic accident or needing assistance can contact the Traffic Control and Command Centre on hotline 1197, available free of charge around the clock.

The MPB has also asked the public to follow official announcements for updated traffic arrangements throughout the rehearsal period.