A large number of people from all walks of life arrived at the Rama IX Chalerm Phrakiat memorial park this morning (Friday), to pay their respects to late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the 7th anniversary of his passing.
The memorial park, located in the grounds of the former Royal Turf Club horse race course, opened at 6am this morning to enable representatives of government and private sectors, as well as members of the public, to pay their respects to the beloved late King in front of his statue. Many yellow wreaths were placed at the foot of the statue.
A first-aid tent was set up in the park, while many volunteers, in yellow T-shirts, are on the ground to ensure cleanliness and to advise visitors to comply with the regulations.
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, operator of city bus services, has arranged four special bus services to bring people to the memorial park free of charge. The park will remain open until midnight, so that people can travel to the park throughout the day to pay homage to the late king.
The previous government, of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, declared October 13th of every year a national day to honour the late monarch for his lifelong contributions to the development of the country and the improvement of livelihoods, especially of grass root people.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his wife, meanwhile, led government officials and many other people in a merit-making ceremony at Sanam Luang, to pay homage to the late monarch.
The official name of this day of remembrance is “Navamindra Maharaj Day”.
