Thailand has entered the final month of the official mourning period as the anniversary of the death of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the royal funeral are approaching. There are some closures around Bangkok that you should know about before making plans, or if you already have plans it is advised that you check with your hotel or activity planner to verify they are still proceeding as normal.

From October 1st-29th there will be closures of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok’s most visited sights, along with restricted access is the surrounding area. In addition to road closures and traffic disruption, you can expect that some small businesses will be closed, as many people will want to attend the funeral ceremonies. There will be six processions during from the 23rd-29th of October.

 

Tips and event info for visiting during this period

• Wearing Black – The government has asked for cooperation from the public in wearing mourning colors (black, white, and gray) from Oct. 1-27. While the Tourism Authority of Thailand said that foreigners aren’t required to wear black, they asked that visitors dress in a “respectful manner” while in Thailand. That means to save your swimwear, shorts and shoestring straps for the beach and wear sleeved shirts and long trousers or skirts.

• Funeral – The funeral of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej will be held from Oct. 25-29, with the cremation held on Oct. 26, which has been marked as a public holiday this year.

• Flag – Thai flags will be flown at half-mast from Oct. 13-27.

• Holidays – Oct. 13, the date King Bhumibol passed away, will be an annual public holiday, while Oct. 26 is a special holiday this year for the public to attend the cremation.

• Festivities – No alcohol ban has been announced so far, but businesses have been asked not to hold festivities out of respect.

• Full Moon Party – The Full Moon Party on Oct. 5 has been canceled.

• Media – Television went monochrome on Oct. 1 and stations have been requested to refrain from airing entertainment programs for the entire month of October. They should instead opt for news, documentary, and educational programming.

• Tourist Attractions – Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddah are closed from Oct. 1-29.

 

Sources and more information:

https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/wearing-black-know-far-attire-late-kings-cremation/

https://grantourismotravels.com/2017/10/05/visiting-bangkok-in-october-during-the-funeral-of-thai-king/

http://www.kingrama9.net/EN/