Although the flowers are removed daily from the grounds, they are not dumped in the garbage.
Instead, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials and volunteers gather the flowers and arrange them into bunches before placing them in front of a giant portrait of His Majesty in the neighbouring Saranrom Park.
“Fresh flowers can look nice for around three days,” said Tanissorn Thongmorn, a 49-year-old BMA gardener.
Nipapan Kijbamrong, a 36-year-old hotel employee who volunteers to make the bouquets from separate flowers, said: “I jumped in right away [when the BMA asked for her help]. It’s just a way of helping to repay our beloved king, our beloved father of the nation.”
She was among thousands who have gathered near the Grand Palace to mourn the passing of the King.
More than 1 million people have visited the Grand Palace, whiles the country has transformed into a sea of black and white as loyal subjects mourn the passing of the monarch.
“Once the bouquets are placed in Saranrom Park, we spray them every now and then to keep the flowers fresh for as long as possible. We understand the feelings of people who wish to present flowers as a tribute to their beloved King,” said Santi Moonsarn, a BMA official.
He said the flowers were removed as soon as they started smelling bad.
The flowers then were used to make fertiliser to ensure they were not wasted, Tanissorn said.
Pensri Rarerng, a 52-year-old official from King Rama IX Park, said white chrysanthemums, marigolds, lotuses and red roses were the most common flowers placed at the Palace’s gates.
“However, orchids last the longest,” Santi said.
Kongsak Waenngern, a welder, said he had visited the Grand Palace twice since returning from Taiwan a few days ago.
Upon seeing the big bouquets of fresh flowers in front of the King’s portrait, he said, “These flowers reflect the love Thai people have for the King. They stand united today in his honour.”
Yesterday, two flower vendors from Bangkok’s biggest flower market, Pak Khlong Talat, showed up at the park with nearly 2,000 lotus blooms – except the flowers were not for sale.
“We are giving them to people who wish to pay their respects to the King,” Srisombat Kaewnak said.