Royal cremation live coverage by reporters banned

Pavillions are seen at the Royal Cremation site at Sanam Luang in Bangkok on Oct 3 this year. (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)

The government has prohibited reporters’ live coverage of the royal cremation of King Rama IX on social media.

Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd, government spokesman and director-general of the Public Relations Department, said on Monday media outlets were allowed only to relay live coverage by the government-run TVPool.

However, people are allowed to cover the ceremony live and take pictures but he warned mobile phone signals would be disconnected at some locations.

Lt Gen Sansern said the mass media were also banned from sharing others' live coverage of the ceremony on their pages.

In the vicinity of the royal cremation venue of Sanam Luang, reporters could stay at the auditorium of Thammasat University and a special stand only.

According to him, the vicinity of Sanam Luang covers an area of about 150,000 square metres and can accommodate 250,000-300,000 people.

Only 40,000 people would see royal processions in the ceremony. They must come to wait for the royal processions at 5am on Oct 25 and remain there until Oct 26, the cremation day.

The government arranged for facilities for them including toilets in government offices and mobile toilets. Lt Gen Sansern advised the people who would be there to bring their food, water and medicines.



