Thailand has ordered a 15-day official mourning period following the death of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha, with government buildings, state agencies and educational institutions instructed to fly flags at half-staff across the country. The measures were approved during a special Cabinet meeting on 12 June 2026 after the Royal Household Bureau confirmed the princess’s death.

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Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led Cabinet ministers in observing a moment of silence in tribute to the princess. The government also directed all relevant agencies to ensure that funeral and royal ceremonial arrangements are conducted with full honours and in accordance with traditional royal customs.

Government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek announced that government offices, state enterprises, state agencies and educational institutions must lower flags to half-staff for 15 days beginning on 12 June 2026. Civil servants, employees of state enterprises and government officials have also been instructed to observe a 15-day mourning period from the same date.

Members of the public have been asked to observe mourning as appropriate. The Cabinet additionally assigned responsibilities to a range of government bodies to oversee funeral preparations and related ceremonial activities.

Under the arrangements, the Office of the Prime Minister’s Permanent Secretary will establish a committee chaired by the prime minister to oversee the royal funeral ceremonies. Additional committees will be responsible for ceremonial arrangements, construction of the royal crematorium, public relations, security and other related duties.

Government agencies will organise daily attendance by civil servants throughout the 100-day period of funeral prayers. The Ministry of Culture, through the Fine Arts Department, will supervise ceremonial protocols and the construction of the royal crematorium.

The Cabinet Secretariat will coordinate ministerial attendance at funeral prayer ceremonies. The Ministry of Interior and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will organise merit-making and tribute activities for the public.

Authorities said entertainment events and public activities would not be prohibited during the mourning period. Organisers have instead been asked to implement appropriate measures, including moments of tribute and adjustments to event formats where suitable.

The Public Relations Department has also been instructed to continue promoting information about the princess’s public service and royal duties. English-language materials will be prepared in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 12 June 2026

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