The Royal Thai Government has announced national mourning following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. She passed away at 93, on October 24, at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok.
Thailand’s prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, announced that all Government offices, state enterprises and educational institutions will fly the national flag at half-mast for 30 days from October 25. Strict rules for the county follow, including civil servants and state enterprise employees to observe a one-year mourning period in black, while the general public is requested to observe a 90-day mourning period and dress in black, subdued or neutral tones.
The Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul added that Sirikit’s passing was “a great loss for the country”.
Although overshadowed by her late husband and her son, the current king, Sirikit was beloved and influential in her own right. Her portrait was displayed in homes, offices and public spaces across Thailand.
Despite the solemn occasion, the government has not ordered any suspension of public or tourism activities. But during the first 30 days, the prime minister’s office has requested that the entertainment sector, venues, and service establishments exercise restraint.
The tourism authority in Thailand stated the country remains “open and fully operational”, including “all tourist attractions, transportation services, restaurants, shops, and events”.
It added: “Public activities, entertainment activities, and business operations are encouraged to exercise discretion and to adjust their formats appropriately in reflection of the national atmosphere of mourning” with festive and celebratory elements postponed until further notice.
A major festival, Vijit Chao Phraya, which is 45-day light and sound spectacle in Bangkok was originally scheduled from November 1 to December 15 but will begin on December 1 instead.
It targets 1.5 million visitors and gains 500 billion Thai baht (£11.5 billion) in revenue.
The annual Loy Krathong and Candle Festival will start from October 27 to November 5 at Sukhothai Historical Park, and has been modified to mark the mourning period. Candle-lighting tributes will take place nightly at 21.21 hrs to honour the memory of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.
Other festivals will also be modified, but throughout Thailand, daily life and tourism continue, with an emphasis on a respectful dress and code of conduct.
