Bangkok's China Town to organize big event for late Thai King

BANGKOK, November 24 (TNA) - Bangkok's China Town or Yaowarat area will organize a big event to honor and pay tribute to late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on November 26. Royal Thai Police Deputy Spokesman Police Colonel Kritsana Pattanacharoen told journalists on Thursday that the event will be held from 4pm to 7pm at the Odean Circle in China Town. The police deputy spokesman announced that a 200–meter portion of road from the Odean Circle to the Lamphunchai Intersection will, thus, be closed from Friday’s midnight to Saturday’s midnight to allow officials to prepare and clear the area for sake the public safety. According to the deputy spokesman, four check points will be set up to screen people entering the area, while the public are advised to travel there by public transport services. Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Tio Chew Association of Thailand and the United Chinese Clans Association of Thailand will co-host the event entitled, “Nai Luang in the heart of Thai people of Chinese descent” to make merits and show their gratitude to the late and beloved Thai monarch. Main activities will be held at His Majesty’s 6th Birthday Anniversary Gate at the Odeon Circle. The abbot of Traimitra Witthaya Temple, Phra Phrom Mangkalajarn, known as "Than Chao Khun Thong Chai" will lead 99 monks to chant special prayers, while the Royal Thai Navy Orchestra’s 109 musicians will perform songs composed by late His Majesty the King. Royal Thai Navy officers and students from schools in Bangkok's Samphantawong area will form the shape of the Thai number 9, followed by the candle lighting ceremony and the mass singing of the royal anthem. It is expected that more than 100,000 people will participate in the grand event. Over 110,000 sets of free food and drinks will also be offered to visitors by food stalls and shops along the Yaowarat Road. (TNA)