Thailand Welcomes Visitors During the Mourning Period

Thailand Welcomes Visitors During the Mourning Period

Don't cancel or postpone your trip to Thailand due to the National Mourning Period. Thailand still welcomes visitors during this period, and there are plenty for travellers to explore.

Many people have planned their trips to Thailand in the coming months and have been wondering whether they should change their plans or postpone their holidays during the National Mourning Period for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s passing.

The answer is no.

“We are all very saddened by the passing of our King, and although we cannot welcome visitors with the usual entertainment, we still hope visitors can feel the warmth of the Thai hospitality,” says Mrs Srisuda Wanapinyosak, Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and South Pacific for Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

We had the honour of speaking with Mrs Wanapinyosak at today’s ITB Asia 2016. She also spoke about the many new and unique local experiences that tourists can look forward to visiting on their next trip to the Land of Smiles.

“Beyond the usual shopping and eating places,” she says, “People can now book Midnight Tuk Tuk Food Tours and Bike Tours that visit famous eats as well as places of interest. There’s so much more to do in Bangkok alone that many have not tried yet.”

She also introduced hidden gems in other parts of Thailand that many people have yet to venture to, such as Lampang in the North, Trat in the East, and Trang in the South to name a few.

Things to note during the National Mourning Period:

What to wear

  • 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.

Status of tourist attractions

The Grand Palace and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha: Closed 14-20 Oct 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

Queen’s Gallery: Closed 14-16 Oct 2016

Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium: Closed until further notice
Lumpini Boxing Stadium Ramindra: Closed for one month from Oct 2016
Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum: Closed 14-16 Oct 2016

The Alcazar Cabaret, Pattaya : Open as usual
Tiffany’s Show, Pattaya: Open as usual
Muay Thai Live at Asiatique The Riverfront: Closed, until 17 Oct 2016
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: Open as usual

Status of events and festivals

Events cancelled (in order of events’ dates)

Oasis: Supersonic – Thailand Premiere, Bangkok (17 October 2016)
Morrissey Live in Bangkok (18 October 2016)
Bangkok Symphony Orchestra 2016 – The Sound of Thai Heritage (21 October 2016)
Scorpions 50th Anniversary Tour 2016, BITEC, Bangkok (26 October 2016)
2016 Lee Jongsuk Fan Meeting Variety in Bangkok (28 October 2016)
BIGBANG Made [V.I.P] Tour in Bangkok, IMPACT Arena (29-30 October 2016)
Pattaya Loi Krathong Festival (14 November 2016)
River Festival 2016, Bangkok (14 November 2016)
Pattaya International Fireworks Festival (25-26 November 2016)
Farm Festival on the Hill at Singha Park (25-29 November 2016)
Bangkok Street Show 2016, Lumpini Park (10-12 December 2016)
New Year Celebrations, Pattaya (31 December 2016 – 1 January 2017)

Events postponed indefinitely or to new dates (in order of events’ dates)

Chanthaburi Scenic Marathon (29-30 October 2016)
Krabi Adventure Race Trophy 2016 (4-5 November 2016)
Harmony World Puppet in Kanchanaburi 2016 [20-26 February 2017 (new dates)]

Events going ahead (in order of events’ dates)

Triathlon Challenge Kanchanaburi (23 October 2016)

Annual events, status under consideration (in order of events’ dates)

River Kwai Bridge Week 2016 (25 November – 7 December 2016)
Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2016 (10-14 November 2016)
The Glorious of Ayutthaya Fair 2016 (16-25 December 2016)

Note: Information is accurate at the time this article was published. For more information, visit the TAT website here.  

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