Public Pay Respects to Late Queen Mother at Grand Palace

BANGKOK, Oct 27 (TNA) - Hundreds of Thai mourners, including foreign dignitaries, queued at Bangkok's Grand Palace on Monday to pay tribute before a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, as the nation began a period of formal mourning following her passing late last week. 

The Queen Mother, consort of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and mother of the current monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn passed away peacefully on Friday at age 93 after a long illness.

She was widely revered for her lifelong dedication to royal development projects, particularly those focused on rural welfare, public health, and the preservation of Thai traditional arts and crafts.

Monday marks the first day the Bureau of the Royal Household has allowed the general public to sign a condolence book and pay their respects before the portrait, following a weekend of initial royal funeral rites.

The area around the Grand Palace, including Sanam Luang, was meticulously organised to manage the crowds. Officials and volunteers directed mourners through two screening checkpoints and ushered them into large tents with seating areas accommodating thousands.

Among the mourners was a 67-year-old woman from Ubon Ratchathani province. She recounted seeing the Queen Mother's tireless work throughout her life, which inspired her to join groups dedicated to continuing charitable work in remote areas.

Foreign ambassadors and other dignitaries were also seen arriving at the Grand Palace's 904 Royal Guard Headquarters to sign a separate condolence book, expressing their profound respect for her role in fostering international relations.

Authorities have advised the public to use public transportation due to restricted traffic routes around the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang. - 819 (TNA)