Marine Department prepares for royal cremation

BANGKOK, Sept 11 (TNA) -- The Marine Department has measures to guarantee water transport safety as the Chao Phraya River is expected to serve 20,000 more commuters a day during the period of the royal cremation. Sorasak Saensombat, director-general of the department, said the measures would be active from Oct 25 to 27 and on Oct 29 as crowds of people were expected to attend the royal cremation of the late King Rama IX and related ceremonies at Sanam Luang then. He predicted that the number of commuters on the Chao Phraya River would rise from about 40,000 to about 60,000 daily during the period. Measures to control water transportation will take effect from Krung Thonburi Bridge to Taksin Bridge at 12pm-9pm on Oct 25, 6am-11pm on Oct 26, and at 8am-2pm on Oct 27. During the periods, only governmental boats assigned to serve the ceremonies will be allowed to operate there. The Marine Department will deploy 180 patrol officials there during the period to ensure public safety. (END)