Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit passed away last week and the country has entered a year-long period of mourning.
She reigned from April 1950 to October 2016 and, according to the Thai Royal Household Bureau, had been hospitalised since 2019 due to several illnesses.
Queen Sirikit died on October 24 after developing a bloodstream infection and will now lie in state at the seat of the Thai royalty for one year before she is cremated.
Officials have announced measures for visitors and locals to follow to ensure respectful mourning takes place.
Certain events will be changed to match the solemn tone across the country and some buildings including government, state and educational will fly the national flag at half mast for 30 days from October 25.
For 90 days, the public and visitors are urged to wear black or dark colours and government officials, civil servants and state workers will be in mourning attire for one year.
Despite the overall change in mood, tourism will be largely unaffected.
Any entertainment and events have been encouraged to shift their tone to reflect to mourning period, but can still continue.
Thailand ‘s Queen Mother Sirikit passed away last week and the country has entered a year-long period of mourning
Certain events will be changed to match the solemn tone across the country and some buildings including government, state and educational will fly the national flag at half mast for 30 days from October 25
The Tourism Authority of Thailand ‘expressed its deepest condolences’ over the passing of Queen Sirikit.
It said in a statement: ‘During this period of national mourning, Thailand remains open and fully operational.
‘All tourist attractions, transportation services, restaurants, shops, and events continue as usual.
‘However, public activities, entertainment events, and business operations are encouraged to exercise discretion and to adjust their formats appropriately in reflection of the national atmosphere of mourning.
‘The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will also adjust the format of its events, with festive and celebratory elements postponed until further notice.’
Visitors have been encouraged to wear respectful clothing and follow local customs.
In another statement, the Tourism Authority insisted, ‘Hotels, hospitality venues, attractions and experiences across the country continue to operate with the warmth and hospitality for which Thailand is known.’
Some public events have changed, too, including the Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 which was scheduled to take place in Bangkok from November 1 to December 15. This has now been postponed and will instead begin on December 1.
Despite the overall change in mood, tourism will be largely unaffected
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram will be closed between October 26 to November 8.
Meanwhile, the Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2025 will continue as planned on October 27 to November 5 at Sukhothai Historical Park.
However, the celebrations will be adapted and will feature a nightly candle-lighting tribute at 9.21pm as well as Sukhothai-style fireworks.
The Loi Krathong Festival in Ayutthaya will also be adjusted to match the nation’s mood, and will feature candle-lighting ceremonies.
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Thailand is now mourning Queen Sirikit for a year – what it means for tourists
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