Updated visitor information
during the mourning period for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Issued on 20 October 2016 at 16.00 hrs. (AEDT)
The Thai people are now in a period of remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and reminiscing the many things he achieved and worked for his people and the development of the nation. We assure you that the Thai people remain as warm and hospitable as ever, with cultural attractions and facilities for tourists all in place. As a visitor to Thailand at this time, you can be a part of our historic moment to experience the Kingdom’s cultural traditions towards the love and respect to our beloved King.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to recommend visitors to be advised on the followings :
- Most mourners in the country will be dressed in black or white clothing as a display of the reverence to our beloved King and as part of Thai culture, but this is not mandatory, especially for visitors.
- Tourists should kindly wear appropriate and respectable attire in public.
- Visitors should refrain from conducting any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour.
- The Government has asked for the cooperation from entertainment venues to refrain from conducting any boisterous performances.
- 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.
- Most of the traditional, religious and cultural events including MICE and weddings will be taking place as usual, although 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. (Please check latest status of tourist attractions and events at http://www.tatnews.org)
- Meetings, receptions, and other related occasions that are held in indoor premises can be held as usual.
- 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. All transport, banks, shopping areas, hospitals and other public services will be operating as usual.
- We 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.
- Many people will be travelling from the provinces to Bangkok during the mourning period to pay their respects to the King. This may cause some congestion in certain parts of the city as well as to commuters. Visitors planning travel and trips should stay updated via the local media about road closures or delays. We also ask tourists and visitors for their understanding and patience.
- Due to the commuting of the people during this time, the safety and security measures for all Thais and visitors is a major priority of the related authorities.
Status of tourist attractions
| The Grand Palace and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha | Closed 14-31 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 |
| The Queen’s Gallery | Open as usual |
| Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, Kanchanaburi | Open as usual |
| Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium | Closed 14-31 October 2016 |
| Lumpinee Boxing Stadium Ramintra Bangkok | Closed 14-31 October 2016 |
| The Alcazar Cabaret, Pattaya | Open as usual |
| Tiffany’s Show, Pattaya | Open as usual |
| Muay Thai Live at Asiatique The Riverfront | Open as usual |
| Siam Niramit | Open as usual |
| Phuket Simon Cabaret | Open as usual |
| Calypso at Asiatique The Riverfront | Open as usual |
| Chiang Mai Walking Street on Wua Lai Road | Open as usual |
| Chiang Mai Walking Street on Ratchadamnoen Road | Open as usual |
| Chiang Mai Night Bazaar on Chang Khland Road | Open as usual |
TAT would like to thank all visitors for their understanding and supporting Thailand during this period of time.
Useful Links:
TAT Newsroom: http://www.tatnews.org
The Royal Thai Government: http://www.thaigov.go.th
The Government Public Relations Department: http://thailand.prd.go.th/
Useful Contacts:
TAT Sydney Office: Tel. 02 9247 7549 or Email info@thailand.net.au
TAT Domestic Call Centre: Tel. 1672