Big crowds expected for coronation

More than 200,000 people are expected to turn up to watch the coronation ceremonies in Bangkok next month, according to Pol Lt Gen Kraiboon Suadsong, commissioner of the Police Strategy Office.

Sanam Luang and an area along the Grand Palace's wall will be open to members of the public who wish to watch the royal processions during May 5-6, Pol Lt Gen Kraiboon said on Tuesday at a press briefing in the preparation for the coronation ceremony.

To provide convenience to the public, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will provide a mobile kitchen service offering free food at Lan Khon Muang Plaza right in front of City Hall on Din So Road and at Museum Siam, on Sanam Chai Road near the Grand Palace.

Piroj Santanirand, assistant to the BMA city clerk, said City Hall has formed 12 committees to ensure adequate provision of food, drinking water, toilets and accommodation.

According to the BMA, mobile kitchens will be provided at six locations around the ceremonial ground.

The BMA will also ask the private sector to distribute drinking water at another 90 spots in the area.

City Hall will prepare 80 cold drinking water tanks for people to refill their bottles, and the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority will send out eight vehicles stocked with cold drinking water for the public.

Forty-eight mobile toilets will be available at the site. In addition, government buildings will open their lavatories for public use.

The owners of 68 homes in the area have already informed the BMA that they will allow people to use their bathrooms. The BMA will clean their toilets before and after use and put stickers on the houses to let people know of the available facilities.

Visitors can stay overnight at the Thai-Japan Bangkok Youth Center's Kilawet Gymnasium, which can accommodate around 1,000 people.