Issued on 7 October, 2017
The Royal Cremation Ceremony for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is scheduled for 25-29 October, 2017. Thursday, 26 October, will be the Royal Cremation Day, and it has been declared a public holiday in Thailand by the Royal Thai Government to allow the people to take part in paying a final tribute to the late King.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the following recommendations to visitors to Thailand during this historic period.
- The world is welcome to visit Thailand during this historic period. Visitors to the kingdom at this time will get to see the great love and reverence that the Thai people have for their beloved King in the way they mourn and pay their tribute.
- During this time, Thailand is thankful for our friends coming to share their sadness and pass on their condolences. This gesture of empathy and friendship will be remembered by the people of Thailand for decades to come.
- Tourist attractions and public places should all be open as usual, with the exception of:
- Bangkok’s Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be closed from 1-29 October, 2017.
- The Arts of the Kingdom Museum has been closed from 1 October, 2017, for renovations to the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall of Dusit Palace in Bangkok. The Arts of the Kingdom exhibition will be moved for temporary display from February 2018 to the SUPPORT Centre at Ko Kerd, Ayutthaya.
- The Sanam Chandra Palace in Nakhon Pathom is also closed for renovations from 1 October.
- Sanam Luang and the Ratchadamnoen Nai Avenue will be closed from 8 – 30 October in preparation for the Royal Cremation Ceremony.
- Many business and attractions in Thailand have announced temporary closure on 26 October, for more details, please visit: Updates regarding temporary closure of businesses and attractions on 26 October
- Many Thai people will be wearing black clothes as a sign of mourning. This is not required of visitors, but if possible, they should wear respectful clothing when in public.
- We understand that this should not be a problem as long as visitors wear appropriate attire and behave respectfully. Once again, the world is welcome to Thailand during this historic period, and Thailand is thankful for our friends coming to share their sadness and pass on their condolences.
- Some of the traditional festivals may be taking place as usual although the celebrations may be omitted or subdued as a mark of respect, or the events may be dedicated to the memory of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Some festivals could be cancelled if it is felt they are not appropriate with the public mood.
- Entertainment venues may be closed and certain entertainment events and activities may be cancelled or omitted, or subdued as deemed appropriate, as a mark of respect. Visitors are advised to check local media regularly for announcements and updates.
- We would like to ask visitors for their understanding that this is a sensitive time for Thailand, and they should respect the feelings and sensitivities of the Thai people.
- We also would like to request that the solemnity of the Royal Cremation is observed, and visitors should refrain from conducting any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour.
- During the historic period, in some areas, transportation could be affected. We ask tourists and visitors for their understanding and patience should they experience delays or some routes may be closed to traffic.
- In order to facilitate the travel of people who wish to attend the Royal Cremation, many public transport operators including city trains, buses and boats, provincial buses and trains, will be offering free or more services on 25 to 27 October as per the following:
- Airport Rail Link offers free services from 25- 27 October.
- The BTS SkyTrain offers free services on 26 October. On 25 and 27 October, the free services will apply only on the extensions from On Nut to Samrong Station and from Wongwian Yai to Bang Wa Stations.
- The MRT Subway offers free services on 26 October. On 25 and 27 October, free services will apply only on the Purple Line.
- The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) offers free services on 25-27 October on the Sathon-Ratchaphruek route.
- The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority has scheduled more public buses. It will also offer shuttle buses on 32 routes to Sanam Luang.
- Boat services in Khlong Padueng Krung Kasem from Hua Lamphong to Thewarat Market and in Khlong Phasi Charoen from Phetchkasem Soi 69 to Pratunam Phasi Charoen will be free of charge during 25-27 October.
- Ferries crossing the Chao Phraya River from Phran Nok Pier to Tha Chang Pier will be free of charge. As Phra Chan Nuea, Maharaj, and the Tha Chang Piers will be temporarily closed, tourists are advised to use the ferries at the Pinklao Pier on the Bangkok side instead, as well as, Rajinee Pier instead of the Tha Tian Pier.
- On 26 October, the Chao Phraya Express Boat offers free boat services from Sathon Pier to Phran Nok Pier, and from Phran Nok Pier to Nonthaburi Pier. From 25-27 October, the express boat will not stop at Tha Phra Athit, Tha Chang, and Tha Rajinee Piers.
- The State Railway of Thailand has scheduled more train services to Bangkok.
- The Transport Company International has scheduled more bus services to Bangkok.
- The economic sector should continue even during this time, so the service levels should not be affected.
- Please visit: http://www.kingrama9.net/EN for more details on the Royal Cremation Ceremony.
- Visitors are also advised to check any local media regularly for the official announcements and updates from the local authorities.
- (Updated on 17 October, 2017): The flying of drones will be prohibited over or near the Grand Palace, the royal cremation site at Sanam Luang and surrounding areas within a 19km radius. Violators are liable to a maximum sentence of one year in jail and/or a fine of 40,000 Baht. Only drones granted specific permission to be flown during the ceremony to capture aerial views are exempted.
- Useful contacts:
- Bangkok EMS Tel. 1646, or Hospital Crisis Prevention Centre Tel. +66 (0) 2622 9265
- Bangkok Hotline Tel. 1555, or Tel. +66 (0) 2225 7612-4 for elderly and the disabled
- Bangkok Mass Transit Authority Tel. 1348
- Public & Government Service Tel. 1899, or contract 02-226-6801
- Tourist Police Bureau, Tell 1155
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Contact Centre 1672
Issued by the Tourism Authority of Thailand
