Thailand: Mourning period at Bangkok’s Grand Palace extended

Event

Mourners will continue to flock to the Grand Palace in the capital Bangkok through Thursday, October 5, to pay their respects to the late King Bhumibol who passed away on October 13, 2016.

King Bhumibol’s cremation is scheduled for October 26, with ceremonial activities from October 25-29. All public transportation operators, including BTS, BRT, Airport Rail Link, and MRT, will provide free services on October 26 to enable mourners to join the ceremony. Free services for other days during the five-day cremation period will vary depending on the operator.

The vicinity of the Grand Palace is most likely to be highly crowded through October 5 and public transportation particularly saturated from October 25-29.

Context

King Bhumibol Adulyadej was the world's longest serving monarch, loved by his people and portrayed by the palace as a guiding light through decades of political turmoil, coups, and violent unrest. More than 12 million people, some of them repeat visitors, have visited the Grand Palace since it was first opened to mourners of October 28, 2016. On October 1, a record 90,300 mourners were present, with some waiting in line several hours before being granted access. 

An official mourning period of one year was announced on October 14, 2016.

Advice

Individual present in Bangkok should respect the feelings and sensitivities of the Thai people at this time. Behave respectfully and wear dark-colored, somber, and respectful clothing when in public areas in order to avoid drawing undue attention to yourself.