Disruption to public scaled down

The government announced yesterday that road closures for the royal barge procession will be minimised while the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) will not release water from northern dams into the Chao Phraya River for the ceremony, following King Rama X’s order that the government must avoid causing the public inconvenience.

Capt Paitoon Panyasin, assistant secretary of the committee overseeing the royal barge procession, told the media yesterday this will be the first time the government has asked the RID not to release water for the ceremony.

“His Majesty the King has reiterated the government must not let the royal barge ceremony affect people’s lives,” said Capt Paitoon.

“So we will ask the city to divert water from nearby water gates instead,” he added.

The royal barge ceremony, the final event marking the coronation of King Rama X, will take place on the afternoon of Oct 24.

Boat traffic in the Chao Phraya River will be halted to allow rehearsals on Oct 17 and Oct 21 as well as for the day of the event itself.

Pol Col Phusit Visetkamin, who chairs the committee for traffic management during the procession said the only roads closed for the event will be at Rama VIII Bridge and Pin Klao Bridge. Spectators are advised to wear yellow T-shirts and avoid wearing black, said PRD deputy chief Tassanee Pholchaniko, deputy director-general of the Government’s Public Relations Department.

The ceremony will get underway at 3.30pm, according to Arunya Ketkaw of the Technical Development Office.

Television stations will begin their live broadcasts at 3.15pm, accompanied by both Thai and English subtitles and sign language.

The royal barge procession will travel 3.4 kilometres down the Chao Phraya River from Tha Wasukri pier to Tha Ratchaworadit pier.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered soldiers to participate in Jit Arsa (spirit of volunteering) projects to mark three special events this month.

The three events are King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day on Oct 13, King Rama IV’s birthday anniversary (Oct 18) and King Chulalongkorn Day (Oct 23).

PORNPROM SATRABHAYA River clean-up Volunteers use canoe paddles to pick up rubbish in the Chao Phraya River near a pier in Nonthaburi yesterday. They are taking part in a campaign to educate the public about household waste management and garbage separation.