Public participation
Written by Writer on Monday, November 10th, 2008
By Post Reporters
The royal cremation ceremony of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana will be held over a six-day period beginning on Friday, with the cremation on Saturday. Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said the public should not miss the event, and asked people to dress in black during the three days of national mourning from Nov 14 to 16.
Mr Somchai on Sunday urged the public not to skip the royal cremation ceremony, saying they should take the opportunity to bid a final farewell to the princess on Saturday.
Mourners could participate in the ceremony at Sanam Luang, the royal crematorium site, or go to designated temples across the nation to present sandalwood flowers to pay last respects to the Princess.
The royal cremation ceremony will be held over a six-day period - from Nov 14 to 19 - with her cremation scheduled for Saturday. Mr Somchai also asked people to dress in black during the three days of national mourning, from Nov 14 to 16 (Friday through Sunday).
During this period state agencies will fly the national flag at half staff.
Mr Somchai has asked national police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan to tell the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) that it is still not too late to open up Ratchadamnoen Nok avenue for the royal motorcade to pass through and attend the ceremony.
The PAD has so far refused to remove the road blockade, citing security concerns after recent bombings and shootings near the protest site at Government House.
Phanu Kerdlarppol, deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau in charge of traffic, said even if the PAD agrees to open the road now, there would not be enough time for proper security checks in the area.
Pol Maj-Gen Phanu said the Royal Household Bureau would announce later which route the royal motorcade would use instead.
The Fine Arts Department will hold a rehearsal of the dance and music shows planned in honour of the late Princess on Thursday.
Department director Kriangkrai Sampatchalit said the productions would include Khon masked dances, nang yai performances and a shadow-puppet show. The performances will start on Saturday evening and continue into the early hours of Sunday.
Bangkok Post
Monday November 10, 2008
