31/10/2025
If you are travelling to Thailand, here is your guide to respect the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit:
Official Announcement – Mourning Practices Following the Passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother
The Government has outlined mourning guidelines for officials and the public, while confirming that daily life and tourism continue as normal, with an emphasis on respectful dress and conduct.
Background
The Royal Thai Government has announced national mourning following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, to honour her lifelong dedication and contributions to the Thai nation and the Thai people.
Official Mourning Guidelines
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the following measures:
All government offices, state enterprises, and educational institutions will fly the national flag at half-mast for 30 days, starting 25 October 2025.
Government officials, state enterprise employees, and civil servants are requested to wear mourning attire for one year from this date.
Members of the public are encouraged to dress in black or subdued colours for 90 days as a gesture of remembrance and respect.
Public Activities and Events
The Cabinet has not issued any order to suspend public activities, entertainment events, or business operations. However, organisers are encouraged to exercise discretion and adjust event formats appropriately to reflect the national atmosphere of mourning. The Government understands many in the entertainment, tourism, and hospitality sectors may have planned activities and events in advance. Businesses are therefore advised to proceed with sensitivity and make suitable adjustments to ensure decorum and to honour Her Majesty’s memory.
During this period, TAT-organised events will be adjusted in format, with festive and celebratory elements postponed until further notice.
Here are the updates:
The Bureau of the Royal Household has announced the temporary closure of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) from 26 October to 8 November 2025 to facilitate the Royal Merit-Making Ceremony in honour of the Royal Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.
The Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2025 will proceed as scheduled from 27 October to 5 November 2025 at Sukhothai Historical Park, with activities modified to reflect the national mourning period. A nightly candle-lighting tribute will take place at 21.21 hrs to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. Fireworks will feature only traditional Sukhothai-style displays, and the Noppamas beauty contest will be cancelled.
The Loi Krathong Festival in Ayutthaya will also take place as planned, with activities appropriately toned down to reflect the mourning period. Candle–lighting ceremonies will be held as a tribute in remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.
The Vijit Chao Phraya Thailand 2025 event, originally scheduled for 1 November–15 December, will now be held from 9 November to 23 December 2025 along both banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The presentation concept has been refined under the theme “Light of Siam – Mother of the Land”, featuring drone displays in place of fireworks to convey tribute and remembrance. Lighting design and colour tones will be softened for appropriateness, while the New Year’s Eve programme will include a candle-lighting ceremony titled “Light of the Nation” in honour of Her Majesty The Queen Mother.
Tourism and Daily Life in Thailand
During this period, Thailand remains open and fully operational. All tourist attractions, transportation services, restaurants, shops, and events continue as usual.
Visitors are kindly requested to dress and behave respectfully, particularly when visiting temples, royal sites, or government premises.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) extends its deepest condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, and joins the Thai people in paying tribute to her enduring legacy of service, compassion, and devotion to the nation.
