BMA slammed for delay in Princess book

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had announced that it would organise an exhibition, "Sathit Na Duangjai" (Dwell in our hearts), for the Princess from yesterday to April 11 at Khon Muang Plaza in front of its headquarters and visitors would be given the book.

From 9am yesterday, people formed a long queue, hoping to get copies of the book, but BMA officials informed them that they would have to wait for Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin to open the exhibition at 5pm.

The officials also told them the book was not yet completed and they had to get a queue card in order to pick up a copy on January 18, causing many to express discontent and criticise the BMA for not publicising details of the book's availability.

At 11am Apirak inspected the exhibition preparations and found out about the problem. He ordered 2,000 copies of the book to be printed for the people who showed up yesterday. He said the problem stemmed from the fact that the city did not expect such a large number of participants.

He said he had ordered 50,000 more copies to be published to meet the demand. Thus the total number of copies published would be 100,000.

Apirak said the city also aimed to host weekend activities around the 15th day of the Princess's passing - possibly including a classical music performance by students who won scholarships sponsored by the Princess. The Wattana district would also decorate with white orchids the area around the Le Dix Palace where the Princess resided, he said.

The BMA also plans to officially ask the Bureau of the Royal Household to host a merit-making ritual after the 100th day of the Princess's passing.

His Majesty the King had announced that organisations would be allowed to host such rituals after that period.

The Nation