Grand Palace, Temple of Emerald Buddha closed from Oct 1-29

Mourners hold umbrellas under the midday sun as they wait for their turn outside the Grand Palace to pay their last respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Large crowds have turned up after the Royal Household Bureau announced Sept 30 will be the last day for the public to pay their respects as preparations for the royal funeral ceremonies pick up steam. (File photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew, will be closed from Oct 1 until Oct 29 in preparations for the royal cremation ceremonies of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The Royal Household Bureau on Thursday announced the temporary closure of the two venues.

People will be allowed to pay respects to the late King’s urn until Sept 30. The urn is on display in the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace. 

After the royal cremation, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be reopened to tourists and members of the public on Oct 30, said the bureau.

King Bhumibol passed away on Oct 13 last year. Since then tens of thousands have been visiting to pay their respects every day. 

The royal funeral ceremonies are scheduled to take place at Sanam Luang from Oct 25-29, with the royal cremation on Oct 26.