Thailand in mourning, new information for tourists and update on the situation

Since the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on October 13, Thailand has been in mourning and tourists there have had to adapt to the situation.

It is mainly in the capital, Bangkok , that strict measures in homage to the king are respected, elsewhere in the country, life is slowly returning to normal.

Entertainment industry slows down for a month

Bars and restaurants remain open but close at midnight and all concerts have been cancelled.

The sale of alcohol is prohibited for Thais but tolerated for foreigners, but discreetly, alcoholic drinks are served in plastic cups and alcohol bottles are hidden.

Nightclubs are closed and full moon parties are canceled.

Clothing tips

As announced in the article " travel advice currently in Thailand " tourists are invited to wear black or white clothing, which are the colors of mourning in Asia, but it is not obligatory, it is just a mark of respect to have towards the inhabitants in this sad period.

If you don't have black or white clothing to wear, you should at least have respectful clothing with your knees and shoulders covered.

Changes in tourist attractions

In Bangkok

The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha : Closed until October 20.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) : Open
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) : Open
The National Museum, Bangkok : Open (9am-4pm)
The Queen's Gallery : Closed until October 16.
Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium : Closed until further notice.
Lumpini Boxing Stadium, Ramindra : Closed for one month.
Buddha Amulet Market Square : Closed until further notice.
Muay Thai Live at Asiatique The Riverfront : Closed until October 17.
Calypso at Asiatique The Riverfront : Open (no alcohol)

Elsewhere in the country

The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum in Kanchanaburi : Closed until October 16th
The Alcazar Cabaret in Pattaya : Open (daily show at 5pm, 6:30pm, 8pm and 9:30pm – The last show is canceled until the end of October).
The Tiffany Show in Pattaya : Open (daily show at 6pm, 7:30pm and 9pm)
The Siam Niramit in Phuket : Open (5pm-8pm)
The Phuket Simon Cabaret : Open (6pm-10:30pm)
In Chiang Mai , the walking street on Saturdays and Sundays and the night market : Closed until further notice.

Cultural events and festivals canceled

Buffalo Racing Festival 2016 in Chon Buri
Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession
Oasis: Supersonic – Thailand Premiere, Bangkok
Morrissey Live in Bangkok
Scorpions 50th Anniversary Tour 2016, BITEC, Bangkok
Lee Jongsuk Fan Meeting Variety in Bangkok, Thunder Dome, Bangkok
BIGBANG Made [VIP] Tour in Bangkok, IMPACT Arena
Ghost Fair at Mega Bangna, Bangkok
Bangkok Symphony Orchestra 2016 – The Sound of Thai Heritage
Yi Peng Festival, Chiang Mai
Pattaya Loi Krathong Festival
International Fireworks Festival in Pattaya
New Year Celebrations in Pattaya

Many concerts, local and international shows have been canceled.

Thailand in mourning: events postponed

The End of Buddhist Lent at Indo-China Market, Mukdahan
Moderndog Concert at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani
ECT Concert at Bitec Bangna, Bangkok
Group Riding Bangkok (biking tours)
FB Battery River Kwai Half Marathon in Kanchanaburi
Chanthaburi Scenic Marathon
Harmony World Puppet in Kanchanaburi 2016 (postponed to February 20-26, 2017)
Krabi Adventurous Trophy 2016
Bangkok Street Show 2016 at Lumpini Park

Events maintained but minimized

Rap Bua Festival in Bangphli, Samut Prakan , from October 12 to 15.
Poi Lynn Sib Et Festival, Mae Hong Son , from October 14 to 16.

The open but discreet red light districts

Immediately after the king's death, the military cut off electricity in some of Bangkok's red-light districts, forcing go-go bars to close.

A week after the mourning, some have already reopened but they are less conspicuous, no soliciting outside and no loud music.