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Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
Lifestyle
ARIANE KUPFERMAN-SUTTHAVONG

Preparing for the final farewell

People from all regions and walks of life will gather for a last goodbye to their beloved late king.

The day will likely be an emotional one and, in order to reduce any stress and worries one might have, authorities, volunteers and social-media users have been sharing advice as how to best prepare for this historical event.

Mourners are, of course, expected to wear proper attire -- black clothes, which aren't revealing. Carrying one's identity card or passport at all times is key, so to be able to move in the area freely despite the many security checkpoints in place.

Most transportation lines will be free of charge to facilitate the journey to Bangkok's old quarters. Leave the cars at home or park it in a convenient location, then hop on the BTS, MRT or Airport Rail Link trains.

Because several roads will be closed to traffic, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) will provide a shuttle service, picking up and dropping off passengers at five spots: Pak Klong Talad intersection, Arun Amarin intersection, Wisut Kasat intersection, Nang Loeng Race Course and Ban Manangkhasila.

The Chao Phraya Express Boat service and ferries crossing the river will also be free of charge. However, the Tha Phra Chan, Tha Phra Athit, Tha Chang, Maharaj and Rajinee piers will be closed for the ceremony.

If you cannot reach the prime areas closest to the ceremony grounds, you can still watch it from nine nearby screening points, including Pinklao bridge, Tha Chang and Tha Phra Chan piers or Thammasat University.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration also announced plans to provide 70 toilet buses (around 700 toilet seats) around Sanam Luang to accommodate mourners. Survey the area when you first arrive and note their locations, as well as take precautions. As soon as the ceremony begins, the crowd could be so dense that moving will prove difficult.

Volunteers at Sanam Luang have advised mourners to carry a light umbrella or rain jacket, as well as a hat for protection against the sun.

Packing a meal or two, along with a water bottle, is highly recommended, although snacks and refreshments will be passed around the ceremonial grounds.

Finally, as one social-media user suggested: find a buddy with inclinations and a mindset similar to yours, as you will likely be spending at least seven or eight hours with them -- the day should be heart-rending enough.

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