Thailand is still officially in mourning since the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October 2016 whose funeral rites and cremation will be held in Bangkok from 25 to 29 October 2017.

Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej pictured in 2010.

The Thai Government has declared 26 October, the day of the Royal Cremation, as a public holiday to allow the people to take part in paying a final tribute to the late King.

Banks and government services will be closed on the public holiday.

Many Thai people will be wearing black clothes as a sign of mourning.

Foreign visitors are welcome during this historic time as they will see the Thais’ great love and reverence for their beloved monarch as they mourn and pay their respects.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recommends foreign visitors behave and dress in a respectful manner when they visit, as this occasion is a time of great sadness.

King Bhumibol, who was known as Rama IX, died on 13 October 2016, aged 89, after reigning for 70 years. He celebrated his Platinum Jubilee in June.

However, the Royal Household has announced that the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be closed from 1 to 29 October during preparations leading up to and during the Royal Cremation.

The Grand Palace from across the Chao Phraya River. Photo: Mda from the Thai Wikipedia [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

All transport, banks, shopping centres, hospitals and other public services will be operating as usual.

Many public transport operators will be offering free or more services on 25 to 27 October for those wishing to attend the Royal Cremation.

Anyone travelling to Thailand should check with their travel agent, local media or advice from local authorise for announcements and updates, as some routes may be closed with access restrictions to nearby sites.

The Bank of Thailand is issuing commemorative banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 bahts featuring the late King whilst Thailand Post Company are marking this historic event with a special series of stamps.

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