Prayut leads loyalty oath to Chakri line

Bangkok residents have been advised to plan their commutes carefully today since heavy traffic is expected as activities to show loyalty to kings in the Chakri dynasty are taking place across the city.

The Ruam Phalang Haeng Kwam Phakdi (the United Force of Allegiance) event is scheduled to at 8am with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha leading an oath of loyalty to the nine kings including King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Government House.

Similar ceremonies will also be held simultaneously at state agency offices and key locations in Bangkok and around the country.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau and Traffic Police Division are bracing for heavy traffic in Bangkok as people converge in mass gatherings for the event.

In Bangkok, events are being organised at Government House, Sanam Luang, Lan Khon Mueang outside City Hall and the City Hall office in the Din Daeng area, the Bangkok Youth Centre (Thai-Japanese Stadium), the 50 district offices, as well as state agency and state enterprise offices.

During the event, authorities managing the queue of mourners at Sanam Luang will temporarily halt their work to allow people to join the prime minister in showing their loyalty to the kings and singing the national anthem.

Meanwhile, authorities have said they expect to know by January which part of Sanam Luang will be designated and closed off to build the phra meru, or royal funeral pyre, with its construction expected to finish by September next year, according to Deputy Prime Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn.