BANGKOK, 1 August 2011 – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is scheduled to reopen Sanam Luang for public use on 9 August after its renovation, in time for the celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday on 12 August.
Following a meeting of BMA executives over the preparation for the reopening of Sanam Luang ceremonial ground this 9 August, Deputy Bangkok Governor Teerachon Manomaipiboon stated that the Phra Nakhon District Office, which had previously been assigned to install metal fences and automatic gates around the site, was about to complete its task. He said the district office also proposed to the meeting that Sanam Luang be reserved only for people’s recreational and exercising purposes between 5.00 hrs and 22.00 hrs.
Political activities, overnight stays, trading as well as drinking will be prohibited within the area from now on. In accordance with the Ancient Monuments, Antiques and National Museums Act BE 2504 (1961), violators are subject to imprisonment of not more than 10 years and/or a fine of not more than 1 million THB.
Homeless people who used to occupy Sanam Luang have been temporarily relocated to a nearby area belonging to the Crown Property Bureau. As for street vendors, the BMA has allowed them to move to the area along Khlong Lot Canal, which is set to be improved into a new tourist destination of Bangkok.
After Sanam Luang’s reopening, the first function to be organized at the site will be the celebration of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 79th birthday anniversary on 12 August.
