What national mourning means for visitors

BANGKOK Visitors to Thailand are being advised to pack a little extra sensitivity along with their holiday gear and suntan lotion, as the country embarks on a year of morning following the passing of the Late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 13 October.

Visitors are being asked to recognise the country is engulfed in an outpouring of grief over the passing of their King who is revered by every Thai citizen and recognised as the nation’s father.

His reign covered 70 years and at the time of his passing he was the world’s longest reigning monarch.

In a statement issued, late last week, the Tourism Authority of Thailand assured visitors they were welcome and could continue with their travel plans as normal.

But it advised sensitivity and recognition that some entertainment, events and festivals could be low-key postponed or cancelled.

Government officials are obliged to wear black for the entire year of mourning that started 14 October. Thais will be encouraged to wear black, or white clothing. Private citizens are wearing black in public for a 30-day mourning period that started 14 October.

TAT assured visitors this was not required of visitors, but Thai citizens would be appreciative if guests in the country could “possible, wear sombre and respectful clothing when in public places”.

Beach attire is fine on the beach, but visitors should cover up when walking on nearby streets or entering shopping malls and dress appropriately to show respect.

Visitors should refrain from inappropriate behaviour, excessive partying and revelry that could be a cause for friction with local communities. Full-moon parties have been cancelled and unlikely to reappear for the entire year of official mourning.

The simple rule is to respect the host country culture and the people’s need to grieve. Do not impose on them with excessive photography at temples or places where Thais are paying their respects, such as provincial town hall premises. Mourning is on a national scale at city and village level and many of Thailand’s popular beach venues are close to village communities.

Tourist attractions will be open as usual with the exception of Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace, as they are the main venue of Royal funeral rites.

The Grand Palace will remain closed this week.

Lese Majeste laws are very strict with no room for latitude or leniency. When travelling in a taxi or mixing with Thai citizens, do not joke, criticise or make any statements that could be construed as inappropriate towards any member of the Royal Family.

Flags will fly at half-mast across the country for 30 days.  Government departments and state enterprises will wear black until 13 October 2017.

All official events and festivals will be cancelled for a month until the evening of 13 November, just one day before the full-moon in November and traditionally the night of the Loy Krathong Festival. However, the ban could be extended for full year mourning period for high-level government events. There have already been announcements cancelling New Year Countdown festivities.

Most bars and nightclubs closed 14 October and are likely to remain closed for at least another seven days. However, it is possible that bars will remain closed for the full 30 days. The decision is being left to the discretion of bar owners, but the standing recommendations states that they should tone-down music, limit TV to official channels broadcasting documentaries on the HM the King’s life if they decide to open.

Alcohol sales are permitted, with the usual rules applying – sales permitted 1100 to 1400 and from 1700 to 2400.

Many traditional, sporting and cultural events have been cancelled. Organisers of events that continue will change the theme to focus on the memory of the Late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Media outlets are subject to additional requirements outlined in an announcement issued by the government, last Friday, that was circulated by media organisations. and associations.

Advertising agencies

Stop all commercial advertising for a period of seven, days; agencies will monitor and inform of any changes.

Stop all on-ground activities and entertainment for 30 days and monitor government announcements.

Clients can change existing spots, or advertising placements to condolence advertising.

Cover up billboards in black, or remove then entirely if possible.

All newspapers have agreed to cancel advertising immediately without penalties.

Reservations for display video advertising on the internet can be postponed.

Self-service ad optimisation research, Google display, YouTube, Facebook advertising can be withdrawn without penalty.

Action by media owners

All TV and radio programmes will be stopped and ‘simulcast’ from Channel 11 for at least seven days until further notice.

All newspaper content and advertising will turn grey.

Magazine cover and advertising will turn grey. Online news and website will grey their sites.

Digital billboards will close, or be switched to condolence messages.

Lights in static billboards be dimmed, or turned off.

This incudes store advertising boxes and those on streets and at public transport stations. BTS is considering measures for Siam station where platform depends on light from light boxes.

YouTube in Thailand shuts down for at least seven days or until further notice.