Thailand Enters Year-Long Mourning Period After Queen Sirikit’s Passing
Government declares year-long observance and outlines guidelines as tourists and citizens adapt to the period of national grief
Thailand has officially begun a year-long period of national mourning following the death of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother on 24 October 2025 at the age of ninety-three from a blood-infection.
The government issued formal directives on 25 October outlining how public institutions, civil servants and the general public should observe the grieving period.
Under the decree, all government offices, state enterprises and educational institutions must fly the national flag at half-mast for thirty days beginning 25 October.
Civil servants and employees of state enterprises are required to wear mourning attire for one year, commencing from the same date.
The public is encouraged to wear black or muted colours for at least ninety days as a mark of respect.
The government emphasised that while Thailand remains open to visitors and daily life continues, certain events and entertainment programmes may be scaled back, and certain cultural venues may adjust operations during the early phase of mourning.
Tourists are advised to dress respectfully, especially in temples, royal sites or government buildings, and to avoid loud or celebratory behaviour that may clash with the national tone of solemn reflection.
Alongside domestic impacts, one of the country’s most visited tourist landmarks, the Grand Palace, has been temporarily closed for visitor access until 8 November, and the Tourism Authority has issued guidelines for foreign travellers.
These encourage flexibility in itineraries and sensitivity to the altered atmosphere.
The passing of Queen Sirikit, who was married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej and mother to the current monarch King Vajiralongkorn, prompted an outpouring of national tribute.
Her decades-long public service and patronage of rural development and craft industries remain integral to her legacy.
While the mourning period underscores the nation’s respect for the monarchy and its traditions, authorities emphasise that the country continues to welcome international tourists and that businesses remain operational, albeit in a more contemplative environment, not as usual celebratory mode.
The government issued formal directives on 25 October outlining how public institutions, civil servants and the general public should observe the grieving period.
Under the decree, all government offices, state enterprises and educational institutions must fly the national flag at half-mast for thirty days beginning 25 October.
Civil servants and employees of state enterprises are required to wear mourning attire for one year, commencing from the same date.
The public is encouraged to wear black or muted colours for at least ninety days as a mark of respect.
The government emphasised that while Thailand remains open to visitors and daily life continues, certain events and entertainment programmes may be scaled back, and certain cultural venues may adjust operations during the early phase of mourning.
Tourists are advised to dress respectfully, especially in temples, royal sites or government buildings, and to avoid loud or celebratory behaviour that may clash with the national tone of solemn reflection.
Alongside domestic impacts, one of the country’s most visited tourist landmarks, the Grand Palace, has been temporarily closed for visitor access until 8 November, and the Tourism Authority has issued guidelines for foreign travellers.
These encourage flexibility in itineraries and sensitivity to the altered atmosphere.
The passing of Queen Sirikit, who was married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej and mother to the current monarch King Vajiralongkorn, prompted an outpouring of national tribute.
Her decades-long public service and patronage of rural development and craft industries remain integral to her legacy.
While the mourning period underscores the nation’s respect for the monarchy and its traditions, authorities emphasise that the country continues to welcome international tourists and that businesses remain operational, albeit in a more contemplative environment, not as usual celebratory mode.
