ONE winter sun destination that sees hundreds of thousands of Brits visit each year has entered a period of mourning after the loss of its former Queen.
As a result, there will be some new rules in play for visitors that will affect everything from clothing to events.
Queen Sirikit, the mother of Thailand‘s King Vajiralongkorn, passed away on October 25, 2025.
Sirikit was the Queen of Thailand from 28 April 1950 to 13 October 2016 as the wife of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), well-known for her charity work, and being a style icon.
As a result of Queen Sirikit’s passing, the Royal Thai Government has announced a period of national mourning for 90 days.
Despite the mourning period, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is reassuring travellers that Thailand remains open and is welcoming tourists as usual.
However, it has added that visitors during this period should behave respectfully, especially when going to temples, royal sites, or government offices.
Tourism services like transportation, hotels, attractions, hospitality venues across Thailand continue to be open and operate as normal.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced new measures for locals, which will also affect tourists.
For anyone going on holiday in the next two months, you will see members of the public dressed in mourning clothes, as a sign of respect.
Locals are likely to be wearing black, and while holidaymakers don’t have to, they are encouraged to wear clothing that isn’t brightly coloured.
Events might change slightly too as organisers have been asked to “exercise discretion and adjust event formats appropriately to reflect the national atmosphere of mourning”.
Some places will be closed, like The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) which from October 26 to November 8, 2025 won’t be open.
This is for the Royal Merit-Making Ceremony in honour of the Royal Funeral.
The Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 event in Bangkok, which was scheduled from November 1 to December 15, 2025, has been postponed in observance of the mourning period.
It will now begin on December 1, 2025 instead.
The Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2025 will go ahead as scheduled from October 27 to November 5, 2025 at Sukhothai Historical Park.
The Loi Krathong Festival in Ayutthaya will also proceed as planned, with celebrations adjusted in tone.
Ms. Worapa Angkhasirisap, Director of Travel to Thailand UK & Ireland said: “Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was deeply revered as a mother figure to the Thai people.
“During this time of remembrance, we thank visiting travellers for their understanding and sensitivity toward the feelings of the Thai nation.
“Thailand remains as welcoming as ever, and we encourage travellers to continue with their current and future plans to visit.
“Hotels, hospitality venues, attractions and experiences across the country continue to operate with the warmth and hospitality for which Thailand is known.”
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If you’d like to stay close to the lively capital of Bangkok, Pattaya and Ko Chang are relatively near the city and feature incredible white sands and resorts.
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