The traffic certainly hasn’t changed and neither has the amount of street food venders or the general hustle and vibe – Thailand has lost their King, the Father of their nation and is in mourning however they still want you to come and visit.
I visited Bangkok and a few other parts of Thailand in 2014, 2015 and now in 2016.
I remember a long conversation with my taxi driver on my return trip to Bangkok airport 2014 asking about their King, or ‘our King’ as he is referred to.
I was sceptical if the love for King Bhumibol Adulyadej was genuine.
I wondered if people spoke so highly of the King out of fear.
But no, the respect and admiration is real, was real.
Thai people love their King. A man of many talents a photographer, a conservationist, a musician, and leader I was interested to see how Thailand was functioning now that the father of their nation and beloved leader had died.
King Bhumibol was the world’s longest-reigning monarch, leading Thailand since 1946.
He passed away on 13 October 2016 aged 88.
Billboard of the King of Thailand. Image Source: 2Bangkok.com
Visiting Thailand now you get the sense the people of Thailand truly feel like they have lost a father and they are in a period of mourning.
Officially 1 year of mourning has been declared with emphasis on the first 30 days.
Part of that mourning is shown by people wearing white, black or dark colours or a black ribbon pinned to staff uniforms.
You’ll also notice huge billboards and screens acknowledging the King (and his many fine qualities) throughout the cities in Thailand, at airports, in businesses, shopping centre and hotels.
Immediately following the King’s death, bars closed early and major tourists attractions, palaces and temples closed.
Festivals were postponed and celebrations were advised to go low key.
However attractions are bars have all reopened to normal opening days and times now.
Festivals and markets are back on and people are getting on with business as usual – all be it with a slightly heavy heart.
But part of this mourning, as is common when people pass away, is the locals are really happy to talk about their King, share stories, tell you stories, brag about his qualities – it’s all part of the healing process.
You can see a big Thai smile return to peoples faces when they speak about their king and their country.
So should you visit Thailand while the country is in mourning – yes.
You can still have a full Thai holiday experience of shopping, site seeing, spa pampering, drinking, dancing and dining while experiencing a unique time in Thailand’s history. #HugThailand
Key Facts
– The 30 days of mourning ends on 14 November 2016 however The Thai Government has encouraged Thai people to wear mourning attire for a period of one year.
– All key tourists attractions including The Grand Palace and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha have now reopened and are welcoming visitors.
– Bars are open normal operating hours and live music has resumed in most venues.
– If you want to show respect to the King and the Thai people during the 30 day mourning period wear white, black or dark colour clothing or a small black ribbon pin. These ribbons are available at the immigration counter at Suvarnabhumi Airport or from many spots throughout Thailand.
– You can also sign a condolence book at many hotels and tourist attractions that will be sent to the palace.
