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Bangkok: road closures around the Grand Palace on 31 October
Because of rehearsals for the cremation of Queen Mother Sirikit, roads around the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang are closed on 31 October from 6.30 in the morning to 7.30 pm.
Because of rehearsals for the cremation of Queen Mother Sirikit, roads around the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang are closed on 31 October from 6.30 in the morning to 7.30 pm.
31 October 2026 · 2 min read
Contents of this article4 sections
What is closed on Saturday
On Saturday, 31 October 2026, the authorities are rehearsing the funeral processions for the royal cremation of Queen Mother Sirikit. The rehearsals run from 6.30 in the morning to 7.30 pm. Bangkok police have announced closures and traffic controls around the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Sanam Luang. Which road is shut when depends on how the rehearsals go.
In the morning, 16 roads and lanes are affected, including Maha Rat, Thai Wang, Sanam Chai, Ratchadamnoen Nai and Na Phra Lan. A stretch of Charoen Krung between the roundabout at the Territorial Defence Command and the Saphan Mon intersection is also included. In the afternoon and evening it is 16 again, this time with Dinso, Phra Sumen and Atsadang added, among others.
The rehearsal schedule
- 7 to 9 am: procession from the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to Wat Pho
- 7.30 to 10 am: procession from Wat Pho to Sanam Luang
- 10 to 11.30 am: rehearsal at the royal crematorium on Sanam Luang
- 2 pm to 7.30 pm: procession from the Territorial Defence Command past the Grand Palace and Wat Ratchabophit to Wat Bowonniwet. Rehearsals on Ratchini Road start as early as 2 pm.
How to get through anyway
The police recommend allowing one to two extra hours and not driving into the area in a private car. As alternatives, they name the blue MRT line to Sanam Chai station and the Chao Phraya boats. If you are in a car anyway, you should switch to one of 23 alternative routes, for example Tanao, Fueang Nakhon, Ti Thong, Chakkraphet or Burapha. Which of these is open depends on your direction of travel.
The report says nothing about the opening hours of the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. If you want to go there today, ask beforehand or move your visit to another day. For questions about closures, you can reach the traffic control centre free of charge and around the clock on 1197.
Also worth a look
It will also be crowded in the area on 6 November, when the royal barge procession travels across the river. For the best ways to experience the city otherwise, see the destination page Bangkok.
Sources: The Nation (30 October 2026).