Read on for everything you need to know about the national mourning period in Thailand.
Thailand is currently in a period of national mourning after the passing of its beloved monarch.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning king, passed away last Thursday (13 October, 2016) aged 88.
Many thousands of mourners have gathered around the Grand Palace in Bangkok to be present for the royal religious rites and ceremonies taking place and to pay their respects to the father of the nation.
During Thailand’s Mourning Period, many events have been cancelled or postponed and some tourist attractions will be closed.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to ask that members of the public stay updated via media announcements and notices from the Bureau of the Royal Household as well as the Royal Thai Government to ensure accurate information.
It is also request that the solemnity of these rites are observed and the visitors – local and international – wear respectful attire.
The TAT would like to recommend that any visitors with travel or tourism plans reconfirm with agents and check local media regularly as well as follow the advice of the local authorities for announcements and updates.
Visitors should also be aware that in some areas transportation could be affected. There could be delays and some routes may be closed to traffic.
The Thai Government has encouraged Thai people to wear mourning attire for a period of one year, and for government offices to lower the national flag at half-mast for 30 days. Festive events are to be refrained for 30 days.
Status of tourist attractions:
The Grand Palace and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha: Closed 14-20 October, 2016
Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha): Open
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn): Open
National Museum Bangkok: Open
Queen’s Gallery: Closed 14-16 October, 2016
Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium: Closed until further notice
Lumpini Boxing Stadium Ramindra: Closed for one month from October 2016
Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum: Closed 14-16 October 2016
The Alcazar Cabaret, Pattaya Open as usual (daily show times at 17.00, 18.30, 20.00 and 21.30 Hrs., but the last show has been cancelled until end of October 2016
Tiffany’s Show, Pattaya Open as usual (daily show times at 18.00, 19.30 and 21.00 Hrs.)
Muay Thai Live at Asiatique The Riverfront Closed, until 17 October 2016
Siam Niramit Open as usual (17.00-20.00 Hrs.)
Phuket Simon Cabaret: Open
Calypso at Asiatique The Riverfront: Open
The Square Buddha Amulet Market, Bangkok: Closed until further notice
Chiang Mai Walking Street on Saturday and Sunday and Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: Closed until further notice
The following events have been cancelled:
Buffalo Racing Festival 2016, Chon Buri 9-15 October 2016
Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession 9-17 October 2016
Oasis: Supersonic – Thailand Premiere, Bangkok 17 October 2016
Morrissey Live in Bangkok 18 October 2016
Scorpions 50th Anniversary Tour 2016, BITEC, Bangkok 26 October 2016
2016 Lee Jongsuk Fan Meeting Variety in Bangkok, Thunder Dome, Bangkok 28 October 2016
BIGBANG Made [V.I.P] Tour in Bangkok, IMPACT Arena 29-30 October 2016
Ghost Fair at Mega Bangna, Bangkok, 20-31 October 2016
Bangkok Symphony Orchestra 2016 – The Sound of Thai Heritage 21 October 2016
Yi Peng Chiang Mai 12-15 November 2016
Pattaya Loi Krathong Festival 14 November 2016
Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 25-26 November 2016
New Year Celebrations, Pattaya 31 December 2016 – 1 January 2017
Events postponed indefinitely or with new dates:
The End of the Buddhist Lent at Indo-China Market, Mukdahan: 14-16 October, 2016
Concert Moderndog at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani: 15 October, 2016
Concert ECTat Bitec Bangna, Bangkok: 15 October, 2016
Group Riding Bangkok: 16 October, 2016
FB Battery River Kwai Half Marathon at Kanchanaburi: 16 October, 2016
Chanthaburi Scenic Marathon: 29-30 October, 2016
Harmony World Puppet in Kanchanaburi 2016: 1-7 November 2016 (new dates 20-26 February 2017)
Krabi Adventurous Trophy 2016: 4-5 November, 2016
Bangkok Street Show 2016 at Lumpini Park: 10-12 December, 2016
