Mourning for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Thailand is now in an official period of mourning following the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to advise the following:

• Most Thai people will be dressed in black or white clothing as a display of the reverence to our king and as part of Thai culture, but this is not mandatory, especially for visitors.
• Polite and respectable behavior and attire would be highly appreciated. If tourists would like to take part in showing respect to our king, they can pin black ribbons on their clothes. The ribbons will be available at the immigration counter at Suvarnabhumi Airport or from many spots in the country.
• Meetings, receptions and other related occasions taking place within the premises can be held as usual, but may be adjusted as a mark of respect for the mourning period.
• Most of the traditional, religious, cultural events and festivals; such as Loi Krathong, Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, Songkran, including MICE events and weddings will continue as planned, although the celebrations may be adjusted as a mark of respect to His Majesty King.
• Tourist attractions are 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 (will re-open on 1 November 2016).
• All transport, banks, shopping areas, restaurants and bars, entertainment venues, theme parks 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.
• 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.

For any enquiries, please contact our TAT domestic and overseas offices or the TAT Call Centre Tel.: 1672.

For further enquiries, please contact

• TAT Call Centre Tel: 1672 or http://www.tatcontactcenter.com/en/service.php
• TAT overseas offices: http://www.tatnews.org/tat-international-offices/
• TAT domestic offices: http://www.tatnews.org/tat-local-offices/

TAT would like to thank all visitors for their understanding and supporting Thailand during this period of time.

Tourism Authority of Thailand
22 October 2016 at 13.00 hrs