The much-beloved monarch reigned benevolently for seven decades till his demise on October 13 last year.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday that the committee organising the royal ceremonies would discuss about people’s participation and the government’s preparations at the meeting.

People outside Bangkok will |likely be able to place funeral wood flowers in their home provinces before the actual ceremony takes place at Sanam Luang.

Pictures will be taken and sent to Sanam Luang in Bangkok, where the Royal Crematorium is located.

“Some flowers will then be used at the Royal Cremation,” Wissanu said, discussing the possibilities.

In Bangkok, mourners can place funeral wood flowers at some 80 designated arches where the photo of King Rama IX would be displayed.

The Royal Household Bureau has asked the government to prepare the guest list for the Royal Cremation on October 26.

Between 7,000 and 7,500 seats would be available but some 2,000 would be reserved for people marching in the grand processions.

The processions to bring the Royal Urn to the Royal Crematorium will take place from 8am-9am on October 26. The symbolic fire-lighting for the ceremony will be held at 5pm the same day.

But the actual cremation will start at around 10pm.

“We plan to issue cards to guests who will have assigned seats,” he said.

Members of the public will not be able to join the ceremonies at Sanam Luang during the actual cremation.

“But they may go to nearby areas such as the National Theatre where various performances will be staged,” he said.

The committee organising the Royal Cremation would also look into suspending entertainment events during the period.

Since the passing of King Rama IX, Thailand has been observing a lengthy mourning period. Many people still wear black and white clothing to show their grief.