Update: The government has extended the mourning period for two more days until Oct. 29.
Thailand has entered the final month of the official mourning period as the anniversary of the death of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the royal funeral are approaching. On the streets, locals have started wearing black out of respect for the beloved monarch.
Here’s what to expect (so far) during the month of October:
Wearing Black – Government workers are required to wear black until Oct. 29. Although not mandatory, the public have been, for the most part, wearing mourning colors since the beginning of October out of respect. They may resume wearing colors on Oct. 30.
Funeral – The funeral of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej will be held from Oct. 25-29, with the cremation held on Oct. 26, which has been marked as a public holiday this year.
Flag – Thai flags will be flown at half-mast from Oct. 13-29.
Holidays – Oct. 13, the date King Bhumibol passed away, will be an annual public holiday, while Oct. 26 is a special holiday this year for the public to attend the cremation.
Festivities – No alcohol ban has been announced so far, but businesses have been asked not to hold festivities out of respect.
Banks – All banks in Thailand will be closed on Oct. 26.
Cinema – All Major Cineplex branches will be closed on Oct. 26.
Retailers – Isetan department store will close on Oct. 26. All Central department stores, except CentralWorld and Central Plaza Rama II, will close from 3pm on Oct. 26, while Tesco Lotus will close from 2pm on the same date.
Bangkok Art & Culture Centre – The center will be closed on Oct. 26.
Full Moon Party – The Full Moon Party on Oct. 5 has been cancelled.
Media – Television went monochrome on Oct. 1 and stations have been requested to refrain from airing entertainment programs for the entire month of October. They should instead opt for news, documentary, and educational programming.
Tourist Attractions – The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are closed from Oct. 1-29.
