Thailand mourning of Queen Sirikit to affect tourism activities

Public Activities and Events

The Cabinet has not issued any order to suspend public activities, entertainment events, or business operations. However, organizers are encouraged to exercise discretion and adjust event formats appropriately to reflect the national atmosphere of mourning.

The Government understands many in the entertainment, tourism, and hospitality sectors may have planned activities and events in advance. Businesses are therefore advised to proceed with sensitivity and make suitable adjustments to ensure decorum and to honour Her Majesty’s memory.

Meanwhile, tourists might see less colorful celebrations over the next three months. During this period, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organized events will be adjusted in format. The TAT highlights that festive and celebratory elements will be postponed until further notice.

First updates over changes related to tourist activities are the following:

The Bureau of the Royal Household has announced the temporary closure of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo from 26 October to 8 November 2025. This is to facilitate the Royal Merit-Making Ceremony in honor of the Royal Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.

The Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2025 will proceed as scheduled from 27 October to 5 November 2025 at Sukhothai Historical Park. However, activities modified to reflect the national mourning period. Fireworks will feature only traditional Sukhothai-style displays, and the Noppamas Beauty Contest is cancelled.

The Loi Krathong Festival in Ayutthaya will also take place as planned, with activities appropriately toned down to reflect the mourning period. Candle–lighting ceremonies will be held as a tribute in remembrance of Queen Sirikit.

The Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 event -the light festival organised along the Chao Praya River in Bangkok- originally scheduled from 1 November to 15 December 2025, has been postponed in observance of the national mourning period. It will now start on 1 December 2025.

Tourism and Daily Life in Thailand

However, the Government and TAT stress that, during this period, Thailand remains open and fully operational. All tourist attractions, transportation services, restaurants, shops, and events continue as usual.

Visitors are however kindly requested to dress and behave respectfully, particularly when visiting temples, royal sites, or government premises.

With the government asking private business to consider the appropriateness of their activities in relation to the period of national mourning, it will translate into adjustments for entertainment businesses, such as bars and nightclubs. Tourists can expect to see some businesses remaining closed during a few days or with shortened opening times.

TravelMole extends its deepest condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, to the Thai nation.