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The Government of Thailand has advised that when the first 30 days of the mourning period for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej have passed on 14th November 2016, restrictions on festive celebrations and entertainment venues will be lifted and television and radio broadcasts can return to normal programming.

The announcement has been made to reassure visitors with plans to visit Thailand that all events and festivals will be going ahead as planned.

It is also to let locals know that, while the mourning period is being respected, other areas of life will be returning to normal to avoid disruption and to enable people to make a living.

Explaining the move Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) “the first 30 days of the official mourning period has been the time for the Thai people in remembrance to the late King.

“Although there has been earlier minimal disruption to events, festivals and tourism activities, with entertainment restrictions being lifted from 14 November, visitors can feel assured that they will spend their time here, experience a warm welcome and continue with their holiday plans.”

Arrangements for nationally celebrated events including the Loi Krathong festival to be held on 14th November, Christmas celebrations and New Year countdowns, as well as the Chinese New Year celebrations can now go ahead as previously planned.

Local fairs and festive events such as, walking street markets, Red Cross fairs, entertainment activities – Likay folk performance, concert and contest, and traditional ceremonies – Kathin robe offering, wedding party and Buddhist ordination ceremony – will also be taking place as normal.

Hotels will be able to hold celebrations and events, including meetings and seminars, and parties. In addition, sporting fixtures will go ahead as planned, while clubs, bars and entertainment venues will return to their usual opening hours.

However, as this is still a reverence time for the Thai people, overt celebrations of events may still be toned down slightly as a mark of respect, but this will have no effect on scheduling.

Yuthasak added “while this is the mourning period in Thailand, life is going on in the country and the people are as welcoming as ever to tourists.

“All events and celebrations are going ahead and tourists will be seen as true friends of Thailand in these eventful times.”

As a way of celebrating Thailand’s past and culture during this historical transition period, the Department of Fine Arts, Ministry of Culture, is inviting all visitors to visit national museums and historical parks throughout Thailand with free admission from now until 31st January. 

Earlier this week Football Federation Australia (FFA) was advised that restrictions on supporters in and around the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok for the Thailand v Australia 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier on 15th November had been lifted.

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