Updates on Thailand’s Mourning Period

thai girl student in polite action at temple  - press the hands together at the chest or forehead in sign of respect

As Thailand is currently in a period of national mourning after the passing of the beloved monarch His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, travellers are being asked to respect the period and wear the correct attire when visiting.

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.

In the period of national mourning, some festivals and activities in the kingdom have been cancelled or postponed. Other events will go ahead as planned but may be toned down as a mark of respect. Please see the list of events that are postponed or cancelled in the following page.

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.

They should also be aware that in some areas transportation could be affected. We also ask tourists and visitors for their understanding and patience should they experience delays or some routes may be closed to traffic.

The following guide explains what’s open, what’s closed, what has been cancelled or postponed during Thailand’s period of national mourning

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 BuddhaClosed 14-20 October 2016
Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha)Open as usual
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)Open as usual
National Museum Bangkok

Queen’s Gallery

Open as usual (09.00-16.00 Hrs.)

Closed 14-16 October 2016

Ratchadamnoen Boxing StadiumClosed until further notice
Lumpini Boxing Stadium Ramindra

Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

Closed for one month from October 2016

Closed 14-16 October 2016

The Alcazar Cabaret, PattayaOpen 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, PattayaOpen as usual (daily show times at 18.00, 19.30 and 21.00 Hrs.)
Muay Thai Live at Asiatique The RiverfrontClosed, until 17 October 2016
Siam NiramitOpen as usual (17.00-20.00 Hrs.)
Phuket Simon CabaretOpen as usual (18.00-22.30 Hrs.)
Calypso at Asiatique The RiverfrontOpen as usual (no alcohol)
The Square Buddha Amulet Market, BangkokClosed until further notice
Chiang Mai Walking Street on Saturday and Sunday & Chiang Mai Night BazaarClosed until further notice

 

 

Status of events and cultural festivals

Events cancelled

Buffalo Racing Festival 2016, Chon Buri9-15 October 2016
Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession9-17 October 2016
Oasis: Supersonic – Thailand Premiere, Bangkok17 October 2016
Morrissey Live in Bangkok18 October 2016
Scorpions 50th Anniversary Tour 2016, BITEC, Bangkok26 October 2016
2016 Lee Jongsuk Fan Meeting Variety in Bangkok, Thunder Dome, Bangkok28 October 2016
BIGBANG Made [V.I.P] Tour in Bangkok, IMPACT Arena29-30 October 2016
Ghost Fair at Mega Bangna, Bangkok,20-31 October 2016
Bangkok Symphony Orchestra 2016 – The Sound of Thai Heritage21 October 2016
Yi Peng Chiang Mai12-15 November 2016
Pattaya Loi Krathong Festival14 November 2016
Pattaya International Fireworks Festival25-26 November 2016
New Year Celebrations, Pattaya31 December 2016 – 1 January 2017

*Many local and international concerts and performances have also been cancelled.

 

Events postponed indefinitely or to new dates

The End of the Buddhist Lent at Indo-China Market, Mukdahan14-16 October 2016
Concert Moderndog at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani15 October 2016
Concert ECTat Bitec Bangna, Bangkok15 October 2016
Group Riding Bangkok16 October 2016
FB Battery River Kwai Half Marathon at Kanchanaburi16 October 2016
Chanthaburi Scenic Marathon29-30 October 2016
Harmony World Puppet in Kanchanaburi 2016(1-7 November 2016 (new dates 20-26 February 2017)
Krabi Adventurous Trophy 20164-5 November 2016
Bangkok Street Show 2016 at Lumpini Park10-12 December 2016

 

Bangkok, Thailand - October 14, 2016: Citizens of Bangkok walking around the Great Palace, to pay respect to the deceased King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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