BANGKOK, 2 November 2016 (NNT) - Mourners nationwide continue to visit the Grand Palace to pay their respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej while the government is giving out bags of rice to the visitors.

People can be seen waiting outside the Grand Palace from 5 a.m. which is when the Bureau of the Royal Household allows the general public to enter Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall. Most of them arrive in groups from other provinces like Chonburi, Tak and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has ordered the late King’s photos to be published and distributed to people coming to pay tribute at the throne hall. They also received bags containing rice grains from the Prime Minister’s Office at one of the entrances to the Grand Palace.

Around 20,000 bags, which have the word ‘sufficient’ printed on them, will be given to the mourners daily. The Bureau of the Royal Household also revealed that the Crown Prince had given permission to people to co-host a prayer ceremony and donate money for the late King.

The Bureau of the Royal Household will provide further details fifteen days in advance to donors as to how they can be part of the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Police Commander Police General Chakthip Chaijinda said foreign tourists dressed politely and were being respectful when they entered the Emerald Buddha temple for the first time yesterday since the passing of His Majesty.

Police officers also patrolled the Grand Palace to ensure safety for tourists and mourners. According to the Joint Administration Centers for Maintaining Peace and Order, the crowds around the Grand Palace were under control and the atmosphere was peaceful.

More than 17,000 people visited Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall yesterday to pay their respects to the late King. At least 4.9 million people have so far signed condolence books since October 14th.


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