....Every step, the hearts of the people are torn apart.
The rope of the lasso hangs over the shoulder.
Moving forward, dragging the royal chariot with power.
Sweat mixed with tears flooding the rice fields....

By former Governor Jedej Musikavong.

This post will share my experience attending the second rehearsal of the Royal Procession of Flags, which took place on October 15, 2017. Many people have wondered where the best vantage points are to see the procession clearly. ...

First and foremost, it is crucial to arrive early if you intend to witness the rehearsal procession on the 21st. Those who wish to secure a prime viewing spot are advised to arrive as early as 1:00 or 2:00 AM. Based on my observations, the optimal viewing location appears to be in front of the Supreme Court, slightly closer to the screening point in front of the Rattanakosin Hotel (as indicated by the blue bus stop sign in the image below). From this vantage point, you will have a clear view of the procession as it approaches and turns into Sanam Luang. To ensure an unobstructed view, it is recommended to stand close to the fence. If you are unfamiliar with the area, imagine facing the Royal Crematorium, with the Supreme Court on your left and Thammasat University's green-roofed building on your right.

The author stood inside the stadium, in the front row. They had arrived at 8:00 AM, but the designated waiting area under the tamarind tree in front of the court was already full. As a result, they had to stand awkwardly in front of the Rattanakosin School.

The officers then directed us to go to the ROTC office. However, an elderly man in the queue informed us that he had already been there and was sent back to this location as it was full. Consequently, we waited at the median strip, only to be turned away again.

After a while, the officers called our group to the front of Thammasat University with the green roof. Another woman said, "I just got chased away from here, too." We looked at each other, wondering what to do. We couldn't stand anywhere, and we were wrong to go anywhere. Many families decided to go home.

The author was assisted by volunteers in the area, who directed them to a spot where they believed they would not be chased away by officials. Eventually, they heard an announcement that the screening point was open and they should hurry over. Officials then allowed them to sit under a tamarind tree. Upon hearing this, the author rushed over and was finally able to take shelter under the tamarind tree.

After a while, the officers opened the barrier and allowed the public to line up again in the middle of Sanam Luang. So we went to stand there.

The author believes that this area is very suitable and clearly visible.

In preparation for this,

1. Get enough rest because you will be sitting all day. If you can sit in the shade, that's great. But if you're in the sun like that day, you might faint.

2. Drinking water is extremely important because this time, there is no one to distribute it to you like last time, and there is nowhere to buy it.

3. Bring your own food and snacks, as there are no places to buy food nearby.

5. Fan + umbrella (very important) Please make it black, I beg you. The overall picture will be beautiful and worthy of His Majesty.

6. Seat mat ... Remember that you will have to sit down anyway, because the officers will not allow you to stand.

7. Comfortable black outfit… I wore long pants that day, but for convenience, it would be better to wear a stretchy skirt, similar to a student's pleated skirt.

8. Maintain composure ... When the procession passes, we should remain composed, refrain from smiling, and avoid taking selfies. Remember, this is not an event that we, as Thais, would have desired. Is it not?

(October 15, 2017) This was the second full rehearsal of the royal procession at the actual location. Today, four processions were rehearsed: processions 1, 2, 3, and 6. The golden urn was carried from the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to Sanam Luang, and the royal ashes were carried from the Grand Palace to Wat Bowonniwet Vihara and Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram.

On this occasion, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graced the rehearsal of the royal procession for the royal cremation ceremony of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.

8:10 AM: Rehearsal of the First Procession

The first procession, carrying the golden urn on a three-tiered palanquin, will depart from the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall through the Deva Phirom Gate. The procession will then proceed along Maha Rat Road, turn ontoท้ายวัง Road, and continue towards Sanam Chai Road.

The Second Procession: A Rehearsal for the Royal Funeral Procession

The second procession, scheduled for 8:30 AM, will be a rehearsal for the main royal funeral procession. It will feature the golden urn, carried on a three-wheeled carriage known as the "Phra Yannamas," traveling from the front of Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhlaram) through the Wichian Prachan Gate and along Sanam Chai Road. The procession will cover a distance of 817 meters and is expected to take approximately 30 minutes.

Finally, we watched the parade rehearsal until about 1:30 PM. Then we headed back. On the way back, we exited through the Thammasat University gate (green roof) and walked straight ahead. We came across the Royal Chariot Museum. We were able to rest and visit other museums as well. ... Lastly, I hope this post will be helpful for those who are planning to watch the parade rehearsal on the 21st.

The last person to serve His Majesty was Mr. Montchai Ninlanat, who held the reins of the Peacock Tail Pan in front of the Phra Maha Phichai Ratcharot during the Royal Cremation Ceremony. Mr. Montchai has been the charioteer for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's royal carriage throughout his reign. Prior to this, Mr. Montchai Ninlanat held the position of Senior Official in the Royal Household, specializing in Royal Carriages, Royal Cars Division, Royal Vehicles Department. Subsequently, the Royal Gazette published an announcement from the Prime Minister's Office appointing civil servants to the Royal Household. Mr. Montchai Ninlanat was appointed as a Policy and Plan Analysis Expert, an academic position at the expert level, in the Central Administration Office of the Royal Palace in 2015. Thank you to the Facebook page "The Royal Family Lovers Club of Thailand".