Mourners from across the country have been arriving at the Grand Palace today, as the Bureau of the Royal Household has opened the Piman Rattaya Throne Hall for the first day of paying of respects to Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati by the public.
The atmosphere since early morning has been solemn, with individuals and organised groups from Bangkok and the provinces arriving continuously.
Mourners expressed deep gratitude for the Princess’s lifelong dedication to the Thai people, particularly her extensive work in judicial reform, human rights and disaster relief, through the Friends in Need (of PA) Volunteers Foundation under the Thai Red Cross Society, as well as her dedication in assisting His Majesty the King with royal duties.
A touching moment was observed at the Na Phra Lan Road tunnel, where crowds lined up to enter. A freelance photographer, who frequently volunteers to photograph the royal family, travelled from Phuket at dawn to pay his respects. Using his own funds, he printed more than 16,000 royal portraits of Princess Bajrakitiyabha to distribute as keepsakes to fellow mourners waiting in line.
To ensure an orderly flow, authorities have established clear screening procedures at Sanam Luang. Mourners are directed to the main tent, where officials distribute royally bestowed food, snacks and refreshments.
Mourners then proceed down into the Na Phra Lan underground screening point, where they must present their identification cards and strictly adhere to the royal dress code. Men are prohibited from wearing jeans, while women must wear polite skirts or traditional sarongs.
At the screening checkpoint, attendees are registered and split into two scanning lanes, where they receive colour-coded stickers based on the purpose of their visit. Those wishing to pay respects to the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother receive a black ribbon sticker, while those paying respects to the late Princess Bajrakitiyabha receive a black heart-shaped sticker.
Upon passing security, mourners exit the tunnel and enter the palace grounds through the Mani Noppharat Gate.
The Piman Rattaya Throne Hall is open daily to pay respects from 8am to 9pm, with the screening point inside the tunnel closing at 8pm.
