Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha will lead government officials in making a pledge to follow in His Majesty’s footsteps and sing the anthem in his honour at Government House at 8am.
Local leaders across the country, from provincial governors to chief executives of tambon administrative organisations, will simultaneously stage similar ceremonies in their areas. Outside Thailand, Thais are invited to make the same pledge and sing the Royal Anthem in remembrance of the King on the same day.
His Majesty observed all 10 Virtues of a King throughout his seven decades on the throne. During his reign, he was also totally devoted to his people, working very hard to improve their wellbeing.
His passing on October 13, therefore, has been a big loss to all Thais who continue to mourn his death.
Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd, in his capacity as acting chief of the Public Relations Department, said his department was preparing to record the events honouring His Majesty for broadcast.
Bangkok Governor Pol General Aswin Kwanmuang said his city administration was ready to organise events according to guidelines.
Since His Majesty’s body was moved from Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace on October 14, more than 100,000 mourners have flocked to the area each day.
The number of mourners is at least Bt120,000 on weekdays, and more than Bt150,000 on Saturdays and Sundays.
Because the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, where His Majesty’s body rests, can accommodate only around 30,000 mourners each day, most have to pay their respects from outside the palace wall. Yet Thais from across the country continue to flock to the palace.
At Siriraj Hospital, where His Majesty had stayed in recent years for treatment, his giant portraits now occupy two prominent spots on the hospital buildings.
“One of the pictures is now visible to people travelling along the Chao Phraya River. It will remind all commuters of their beloved king,” Prof Prasit Watanapa, dean of Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, said.
The other picture is erected near the square, close to statues of the king’s late parents as well as his grandfather, King Rama V.
Prasit said the pictures would be visible from dawn till midnight, thanks to lighting that will be turned on after sunset.
He said Siriraj Hospital also plans to build a statue of His Majesty with the help of the Fine Arts Department. “We will consult the Royal Household Bureau on the matter,” he added.