As Thailand grieves for Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother who died on 24 October 2025, visitors to the Southeast Asian nation may notice rituals and markers of the official period of mourning declared by the Thai government, or question whether events surrounding the Queen’s passing will affect any travel plans and how they should respond. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has issued guidance.
While emphasising that tourism and economic activity surrounding the sector will continue, TAT says, the most obvious signs of the country’s loss will be flags flying at half mast at all government buildings, schools, and state-owned corporations for 30 days, and members of the population wearing black, white, or sober-hued clothing for up to 90 days. Those in official government roles will wear black for a full year.
Visitors are not necessarily expected to change their clothing, but TAT officials have pointed out that muted colour choices would be a sign of respect, as would the wearing of black ribbons, particularly at attractions associated with the monarchy, government sites, or temples.
Mourning clothes are now widely available at various shops in Bangkok, nearly a week after the passing of HM Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. (Photo by @PravitR) #Thailand #QueenSirikit pic.twitter.com/0w6MnKr9jQ
— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) October 31, 2025
In the capital, Bangkok, the city’s main attraction, the Grand Palace, as well as Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), will both be closed until 8 November 2025. After that, visitors should check official guidance for further closures related to the Queen’s funeral arrangements. When visitors approach major sites, the Queen Mother is likely to be seen in framed images and portraiture surrounded by mourning tributes such as candles and flowers. Avoiding loud conversation or noise is advisable near these areas.
Their Majesties the King and Queen proceeded to escort the Royal Urn of the late Queen Grandmother to the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace on Sunday afternoon. The citizens wept and mourned in dense crowds along the entire route. #Thailand #QueenSirikit pic.twitter.com/1dGNGTKXIe
— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) October 26, 2025
Events planned to mark forthcoming holidays such as Halloween and New Year may be scaled back in line with the country’s mood, especially in Bangkok. The same applies to Thailand’s Festival of Lights or Loy Krathong (during which Thais pay respect to the Goddess of Water, the Buddha, and release negative emotions by setting lanterns afloat on canals, lakes, and rivers). It is scheduled for 5 and 6 November 2025 and is likely to take place in some form. In the northern city of Chiang Mei, the lanterns are released into the night sky, and no disruptions to the proceedings are anticipated.
📣 Official Announcement from Pattaya City! The Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 2025 will now be held under the new name: “The Light of Eternal Royalty”, as a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, reflecting deep loyalty and remembrance.
— TAT Newsroom (@Tatnews_Org) October 27, 2025
📅 Date: 28–29… pic.twitter.com/BTQ8kNfMCe
Vijit Chao Phraya, a light and sound show meant to take place from 1 November to 15 December, has now been pushed back to 9 November to 23 December. Instead of fireworks, a drone light show will commemorate the late Queen, according to Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports. Atthakorn insisted, however, that the high season’s festivals and events would go ahead, due to the important role they play in the visitor economy. Similarly, for the nighttime economy, clubs will be open and alcohol sales will continue.
