Smartphone app used for updates on queue length
Assistant director of the group’s coordination centre, Wikorn Permpuak, also said it was cracking down on abuses of the volunteer card system. The centre now requires people to present state-issued ID cards when collecting daily colour-coded volunteer cards.
Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said Sanam Luang’s northern side |would be ready to support crowds starting Friday. The south side of Sanam Luang will be cleared of tents and other structures to make way for the construction of the Phra Merumas royal crematorium, which is expected to begin in February.
BMA spokesperson Tridao Apaiwong said the pouring of an asphalt surface on the north side of Sanam Luang had already been completed and city workers would set up 40 large tents and electricity systems to support 12,000 people before Friday.
She said authorities would also discuss relocating the queue of mourners from the south to the north side, adding that monks wishing to pay respects to the late monarch would gather at the Navy Club where staff of the National Office of Buddhism would take care of them.
Narong Khongkham, deputy director-general of the Social Development and Welfare Department, insisted that the Joint Administration Centres for Maintaining Peace and Order around the Grand Palace did not discriminate against homeless people wishing to pay respects to the King.
He said they would, however, screen people who were mentally ill or drunk, or anyone creating a disturbance. He said staff had sent 22 homeless people found in Sanam Laung to the Mit Maitree Home on Sunday.