There are many questions around travelling to Thailand after King Bhumibol Aduladej sadly passed away. With so much information flying around, we wanted to bring together everything you need to know with information from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Foreign Commonwealth Office.
How can I pay my respect?
If you wish to offer your condolences to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, has informed that all visitors can do so at the Grand Palace at the following times: *Daily between 08:30-16:00: Sala Sahathai Samakom Pavilion You will also have the option to pay respect to the King’s royal remains at Dusit Maha Prasat Hall on the 28th October between 13:00 and 16:00, and on the 29th October onwards between 09:00 and 16:00. The Thai Transportation Operators Association, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Royal Thai Police will be providing free bus services to allow members of the public to attend these locations.
Which attractions are still open?
Whilst the majority of attractions will remain open as usual, it might be a good idea to check directly with attraction providers if you have already purchased tickets. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have highlighted some attractions which will be closed over a certain period of time.
The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be closed between the 14th and the 20th October 2016.
Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium will be closed between 14th and 31st October 2016. Lumpinee Boxing Stadium Ramintra Bangkok will be closed between 14th and 31st October 2016. The Square Buddha Amulet Market, Bangkok will be closed until further notice.
Has my event/festival been cancelled?
In line with the recommendations made as a result of the national mourning period, some events and festivals have been cancelled or postponed, in the following order:
Events cancelled
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
Chanthaburi Scenic Marathon, 29-30 October 2016
Krabi Adventure Race Trophy 2016, 4-5 November 2016
Harmony World Puppet in Kanchanaburi 2016, new dates 20-26 February 2017
The TAT do highlight that some events, although continuing as planned may be toned down out of respect.
If you are planning on taking part in the Triathlon Challenge Kanchanaburi, which is due to take place on the 23rd October 2016, the event will be going ahead as planned so get training.
The following events are still under consideration; therefore, we recommend keeping an eye out for any updates with travel providers:
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
What should I know if I am travelling to Thailand?
If you are planning to travel to Thailand in the next year, or you are currently in Thailand, the tourism authority wishes to highlight that travel plans should be continued as normal. We’ve listed below the recommendations from the authority to keep you in the loop:
- wear respectful clothing when in public
- visitors should conduct themselves in a respectful manner
- bars and nightclubs have been asked to consider business operations during this time and may be closed at the owner’s discretion
- transport, banks, hospitals and public services will be operating as normal -avoid making negative or disrespectful remarks about the royal family or situation
Based on Thailand’s lèse majesté laws, you should avoid making negative or disrespectful remarks about the royal family, this is punishable by the authorities and individuals could be faced with up to 15 years in prison.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have informed visitors to keep up to date with local media and the local authorities for any new information. Double check all plans with travel providers and should you have any queries about travel plans, get in touch with airlines, providers or airport authorities.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand recommends checking the below websites for any updates or assistance should you need it:
The Government Puclic Relations Department
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
This article was originally published on Sky Scanner
