The number of trains heading to Bangkok on all routes has been increased to 150 from 132, while extra city buses to the Grand Palace are also being provided to facilitate mourning for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The State Railway of Thailand began adding extra carriages and extra trains for free service to Bangkok on Friday, deputy governor Thanongsak Pongprasert said.
An additional 64 carriages a day are now available on trains operating between Bangkok and surrounding provinces, and 18 extra trains a day have been added for free service on both short-and long-haul routes.
For short-haul services, there are 12 more trains a day between Bangkok and the nearby provinces of Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya and Chachoengsao. For long-haul services, the SRT has increased the number of trains by six a day between Bangkok and Surin, Khon Kaen and Phitsanulok.
The railway authority has also added 68 more carriages a day for both commercial and free services on all long-haul routes, said Mr Thanongsak.
In total, the number of trains available to serve mourners has risen to 150 from 132 a day, capable of accommodating between 15,000 and 20,000 more passengers than usual, he said.
The SRT is now reviewing demand on the southern route before arranging extra trains, he added.
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has also increased the frequency of passenger buses on all routes between 5am and midnight on Saturday and Sunday.
All ordinary passenger buses offer free services, while fares on air-conditioned buses remain unchanged, said the BMTA.
The state-run agency has also arranged shuttle buses to provide free services for mourners on 32 routes to Sanam Luang during the period.
People from all walks of life occupy areas in front of the Grand Palace to mourn their beloved King. (Photo by Thanarak Khunton)
