Medics prepped to assist crowds at barge ceremony

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Ministry of Public Health will provide a special medical service team for people who come to see the royal barge ceremony on Oct 24.

Silapasuai Rawisaengsun, the BMA’s permanent city clerk, told media yesterday that the government and BMA have arranged medical personnel and space at hospitals to take care of attendees at the ceremony, the final event marking the coronation of King Rama X.

The government expects over 30,000 people to come to the event, most of whom will watch from the banks of the river.

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

To make sure people are taken of, Ms Silapasuai said there will be medical services provided by six local hospitals.

The first team from Vajira Hospital will cover the area near Tha Wasukri, Rama VIII Bridge and Bank of Thailand.

The second team from Nopparatrajathanee Hospital will cover the area from Pin Klao Bridge to Thammasat University.

The third group of medics from BMA General Hospital will monitor Nagaraphirom Park, Tha Tian Intersection and Saranrom Palace at the Tha Ratchaworadit pier.

The fourth team from Rajavithi Hospital that will look after areas along the Chao Phraya River in Thon Buri, including Soi Charan Sanitwong 52, Rama VIII Bridge and Suan Luang Rama VIII.

The fifth special unit from Siriraj Hospital will operate around the hospital.

And finally, medics from Taksin Hospital will take care of Wat Krua Wan Worawiharn, Wat Kanlayanamit, the Navy Convention Hall and Wat Wong Mun Wihan.