Following the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand has gone into a Mourning Period, with many events cancelled or postponed and some tourist attractions closed.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like all visitors to Thailand to continue with their travel plans as normal, but be mindful and respectful at this time, and stay informed and updated through their agents, local media and announcements from the Bureau of the Royal Household and the Royal Thai Government.
Visitors should also be aware that in some areas transportation could be affected, and their understanding and patience would be appreciated.
Furthermore, many Thai people will be wearing mourning attire, and while this is not required of visitors, they are asked to wear respectful clothing when in public. Government offices have lowered the national flag at half-mast for 30 days and festive events are to be refrained for 30 days.
Tourist attractions will be open as usual with the exception of Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace, as they will be the venue of the Royal Funeral Rites, and while most traditional and cultural events will be taking place as usual, the celebrations may be changed for appropriateness as a mark of respect, or the events may be dedicated to the memory of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
All transport, banks, hospitals and other public services will be operating as usual, but the hours of operation for entertainment and nightlife venues may be affected.
Safety and security measures have increased for all Thais and visitors, to facilitate their travelling around the country.
The following guide from TAT further explains what’s open, what’s closed, what has been cancelled or postponed during Thailand’s period of national mourning.
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 as usual
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) – Open as usual
National Museum Bangkok – Open as usual
Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium – Closed until further notice
Lumpini Boxing Stadium Ramindra – Closed for one month from October 2016
The Alcazar Cabaret, Pattaya – Open as usual, but the last show has been cancelled until end of October 2016
Tiffany’s Show, Pattaya – Open as usual
Siam Niramit – Open as usual
Phuket Simon Cabaret – Open as usual
Calypso at Asiatique The Riverfront – Open as usual (no alcohol)
The Square Buddha Amulet Market, Bangkok – Closed until further notice
Chiang Mai Walking Street on Saturday and Sunday & Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – Closed until further notice
Status of events and cultural festivals
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
*Many local and international concerts and performances have also been cancelled.Status of events and cultural festivals
Events postponed indefinitely or to new dates
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
For further information and updates: tatnews.org