Thailand Adjusts Year-end Riverfront Festivities Amid Royal Mourning
Tourism Authority scales back major light-show along the Chao Phraya and refocuses Loy Krathong on cultural ritual during Queen Mother’s mourning period
Thailand’s tourism sector is preparing for a subdued end-of-year calendar as the nation enters a period of mourning for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who died on 24 October 2025. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that the headline “Vijit Chao Phraya 2025” light-and-sound festival, scheduled for 1 November to 15 December along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, will be modified to reflect the national mood.
Originally projected to draw 1.5 million visitors and generate over 500 million baht in tourism revenue, the festival was designed to transform the riverside into a “world-class stage” of lights, projections and performances.
But under the mourning guidelines issued by the Royal Household Bureau and supported by the Cabinet, large-scale fireworks and celebratory elements will be scaled back or postponed.
Meanwhile, the annual Loy Krathong Festival — customarily celebrated with lanterns and water-floating rituals around the full moon in November — will proceed but with a shifted emphasis.
Instead of elaborate festivities, the focus will turn to core cultural and religious practices, aligning with the period of national reflection.
The TAT and other relevant agencies are urging international and domestic travellers to remain aware of the altered schedule and changed tone.
Planned spectacles, especially along Bangkok’s riverside neighbourhoods, may be toned down or subject to cancellation.
Visitors are encouraged to pivot towards temple visits, historical sites and riverside walks that honour Thai heritage in a more measured way.
Officials stress that while tourism activity continues, it will proceed with great respect for tradition.
Hotels, river-cruise operators and cultural tour providers are adapting offerings to ensure compliance with the mourning décor and conduct.
The adjusted calendar seeks to balance Thailand’s deep-rooted respect for monarchy with the economic imperative of supporting travel and hospitality.
Travellers are advised to monitor announcements from the TAT and local promoters, plan for possible changes and embrace the quieter, culturally-rich opportunities that the season now presents.
Originally projected to draw 1.5 million visitors and generate over 500 million baht in tourism revenue, the festival was designed to transform the riverside into a “world-class stage” of lights, projections and performances.
But under the mourning guidelines issued by the Royal Household Bureau and supported by the Cabinet, large-scale fireworks and celebratory elements will be scaled back or postponed.
Meanwhile, the annual Loy Krathong Festival — customarily celebrated with lanterns and water-floating rituals around the full moon in November — will proceed but with a shifted emphasis.
Instead of elaborate festivities, the focus will turn to core cultural and religious practices, aligning with the period of national reflection.
The TAT and other relevant agencies are urging international and domestic travellers to remain aware of the altered schedule and changed tone.
Planned spectacles, especially along Bangkok’s riverside neighbourhoods, may be toned down or subject to cancellation.
Visitors are encouraged to pivot towards temple visits, historical sites and riverside walks that honour Thai heritage in a more measured way.
Officials stress that while tourism activity continues, it will proceed with great respect for tradition.
Hotels, river-cruise operators and cultural tour providers are adapting offerings to ensure compliance with the mourning décor and conduct.
The adjusted calendar seeks to balance Thailand’s deep-rooted respect for monarchy with the economic imperative of supporting travel and hospitality.
Travellers are advised to monitor announcements from the TAT and local promoters, plan for possible changes and embrace the quieter, culturally-rich opportunities that the season now presents.
