BANGKOK, Thailand – The Bureau of the Royal Household has announced temporary changes to public access at the Grand Palace in Bangkok during the upcoming royal ceremonies dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
On May 2 and 3, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be open from 8:30 a.m. to noon. During these two days, members of the public will be permitted to pay respects at the lying in state at the Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Hall from 8 a.m. to noon.
On May 4, the Grand Palace will be closed, while the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Royal Pantheon will remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission via Sawasdisopa Gate opposite the Ministry of Defence. Access to the Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Hall will not be permitted that day. On May 5, when a Chinese funeral ceremony will be held, the Grand Palace will reopen from 8:30 a.m. to noon, but access to the lying-in-state will remain restricted.
Visitors must follow strict dress requirements when entering the Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Hall, including formal attire; jeans are prohibited, and women must wear dresses or skirts. Authorities also indicated that the royal court remains in mourning during this period. (NNT)
