He urged people heading to the area to pay homage to HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej to use water transport, saying it was the most convenient way to get there.
Suwapan, in his capacity as secretary of a command centre set up to monitor the situation, said 200 additional medical staff would also be on duty to help any people who need assistance.
He urged drivers of charter vans and buses bringing people from the provinces to park at eight designated locations on the outskirts of Bangkok, then let people board city buses to the Sanam Luang and Grand Palace area. He said the command centre would hold another meeting on Wednesday to plan measures to accommodate the huge numbers expected to pay their respects to the late King’s royal urn from next Friday (October 28).
Meanwhile, city police chief Pol Lt-General Sanit Mahathaworn said he had instructed more officers to guard Sanam Luang and smooth traffic in nearby areas while soldiers and “Tessakit” city law enforcers backed them up.
He said security cameras had been installed at 16 additional spots in the area to help keep order and monitor for any suspicious people or items.
Police have set up seven main checkpoints so people feel confident while visiting the Grand Palace to mourn the late King. Sanit urged people to avoid bringing vehicles, saying it would be better for the roads to be used for walking.
Traffic Police commander Pol Maj-General Jirasan Kaewsaeng-ek said 27 roads around Sanam Luang and Grand Palace were closed until Monday to accommodate the mourners who want to pay respect to the late King during the holiday period. Tomorrow is a public holiday in lieu of today, Chulalongkorn Day, which marks the passing of King Rama V.
The number of people who gathered at Sanam Luang for the mass singing of the Royal Anthem yesterday was huge and caused traffic congestion in some areas, so police would close 27 roads until Monday, Jirasan said.
He also urged motorists to use other routes such as Phitsanulok and Krung Thon bridges, while recommending that people get ferries to Tha Phrachan and Tha Chang piers.
For more information and updates, call 1197 around the clock or visit http://www.trafficpolice.go.th.