Yesterday was the final day of the five-day cremation rites for the late king at Bangkok’s Sanam Luang Park. Ceremonies to transfer the king’s relics to the Grand Palace’s Chakri Maha Prasad Throne Hall and Bovoranives and Rajabopidh temples were staged yesterday.
Traffic police in Bangkok have reopened most of the streets around Sanam Luang. Officials representing the national bus operator, the Transport Company, and the State Railway of Thailand say the number of passengers leaving Bangkok has been lower than predicted since the actual cremation ceremony on the 26 October.
An estimated 250,000 mourners travelled to Bangkok to pay their last respects to King Bhumibol. The transport officials noted that as many of the mourners were still in Bangkok, buses and trains last night and today were expected to be fairly full. 12GO ASIA explains that making advanced reservations guarantees seats and sleeping berths.
Thailand mourning period for King Bhumibol Adulyadej ends today
News in Asia
A spokesperson for Thailand’s government has confirmed the official mourning period for King Bhumibol Adulyadej ends today. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, lieutenant-general Sansern Kaewkamnerd stated that the year-long mourning for the late king would be officially over today.