Thailand remains open to visitors despite the ongoing period of national mourning for former Queen Sirikit, the mother of King Vajiralongkorn and wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Queen Mother passed away at the age of 93 last week, and while the nation is in mourning, tourism, flights, and public services continue as usual.
National Mourning Guidelines
The Thai government has established specific guidelines during this mourning period. Officials will wear black for a year, while the general public will do so for 90 days. Flags across the country will be lowered to half-mast for 30 days, and entertainment events will be subdued. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has confirmed that all tourism-related businesses remain operational, assuring visitors that the country is still welcoming international travellers.
What Visitors Should Expect
Across Thailand’s major cities, including Bangkok, flags are lowered, and many locals have adopted darker attire. Portraits of the Queen Mother, often surrounded by flowers and candles, are prominently displayed in public spaces. While visitors are not expected to wear black, modest and neutral colours are appreciated, particularly when visiting temples or government buildings. The TAT has urged tourists to remain respectful of the somber national mood.
Thailand’s key attractions, including Phuket’s beaches and Chiang Mai’s temples, remain open. Hotels, restaurants, and transportation services are operating as usual, with no disruption to daily activities. However, certain royal sites in Bangkok, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, will be closed for royal ceremonies from October 26 to November 8. Visitors should check local schedules before visiting these landmarks.
Adjusted Celebrations
Major events like Loy Krathong, which takes place on November 5, and Yi Peng in Chiang Mai will proceed as planned, although celebrations will be more restrained. Fireworks, parades, and concerts will be scaled back in Bangkok and other cities, but traditional rituals, such as floating lanterns and river offerings, will continue. Local authorities have encouraged organisers to modify events to align with the national mood.
Ongoing Services
Despite the national mourning, Thailand’s restaurants, cafés, and bars remain open, and there are no restrictions on alcohol sales. However, entertainment venues have been asked to reduce the volume of music and avoid overt festivities during the initial period of mourning. As reported by Bangkok Post, life in Thailand continues with a calm sense of respect, and visitors are expected to reflect this tone.
Flights, trains, and ferries are operating normally, with no new travel restrictions for international visitors. Thai Airways has confirmed that all its services are running on time, including domestic routes between Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
Respecting Thai Customs
When passing memorials or portraits of the Queen Mother, it is considered polite to lower your voice or pause briefly as a sign of respect. Visitors may also choose to wear a small black ribbon, available in convenience stores and markets, as an optional gesture of mourning. These small but meaningful acts of awareness will be appreciated.
As the Tourism Authority of Thailand has reaffirmed, “all tourism activities and services continue as normal.” Visitors from the UAE can still expect the same renowned hospitality and beautiful landscapes Thailand is known for, albeit within a quieter and more reflective atmosphere.
For those interested in experiencing Thailand’s cultural offerings while respecting the national mood, careful consideration of these adjustments can help ensure a respectful visit.
