Updated info on closures, changes, and protocol during the mourning period.

[cdnvic]

Please watch this topic where we will be posting information regarding schedule changes, closures, and proper protocol to follow during the immediate mourning period for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. We ask that you use this as your reference and do not create topics regarding these matters elsewhere on the forum. We will endeavour to post verified information as quickly as we are able.

 

Thank You

 

Thaivisa Staff

[cdnvic]

Known closures as follows:

 

Stamford University Bangkok - Closed through the weekend

 

Swedish Embassy Bangkok - Closed Friday.

 

Spanish Embassy Visa Section - Closed Friday.

 

Belgium Embassy - Warns that services may be affected.

 

Australian Embassy - Consular outreach Chiang Mai postponed. Watch http://thailand.embassy.gov.au/ for updates.

 

All schools asked to close Friday.

 

 

 

[cdnvic]

UK Foreign travel advice
Thailand

13 October 2016

 

Summary – following the official announcement of the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej there is now an official period of mourning of one year from 14 October 2016; you should respect the feelings and sensitivities of the Thai people at this time; access to entertainment, including restaurants, bars, and shopping areas may be restricted and you should behave respectfully when in public areas; if possible, wear sombre and respectful clothing when in public; check local media regularly and follow the advice of the local authorities

Source https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand

 

[cdnvic]

Due to the late hour we do not expect more official updates until morning.

 

We recommend that anyone having plans to travel for business, immigration, or to events do the following:

 

1. Re-confirm any appointments.

2. Understand that things such as transportation may be affected and plan accordingly.

3. Be extra patient and sensitive when experiencing delays as many Thais are experiencing profound grief at this time.

 

 

 

[Jonathan Fairfield]

British Embassy has confirmed to Thaivisa it will be open tomorrow (Fri 14)

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Full Moon Party on Oct 17 is cancelled.

 

More info: https://www.facebook.com/FullmoonpartyThailand

 

[cdnvic]

According to their websites and social media feeds the following Embassies are open on Friday:

 

United Kingdom

Russia

France

United States

Germany

Norway

Canada

Netherlands - Contact Centre is available on + 31 247 247 247 or on Twitter (@247BZ) 24hrs.

New Zealand

Australia (Embassy open, Chiang Mai consular event postponed)

Indonesia

Switzerland

Italy

Singapore

 

 

Please call ahead to ensure this information is up to date.

 

 

 

 

 

[cdnvic]

Information on entertainment venues:

 

Though no specific instructions have been issued by Thai authorities, the Prime Minister has asked that entertainment be toned down for at least thirty days.

 

There has been no instructions at this time to close entertainment venues though many are closing voluntarily out of respect for His Majesty and to allow staff time to grieve.

 

PM calls on all sectors to refrain holding entertainment for one month - The Nation

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha went on TV to urge all sectors in the society to refrain from holding entertainment activities for one month. Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/PM-calls-on-all-sectors-to-refrain-holding-enterta-30297637.html thenation_logo.jpg -- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-13

 

 

The British Embassy has issued the following notice as a guide for behaviour during the mourning period:

 

Summary – following the official announcement of the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej there is now an official period of mourning of one year from 14 October 2016; you should respect the feelings and sensitivities of the Thai people at this time; access to entertainment, including restaurants, bars, and shopping areas may be restricted and you should behave respectfully when in public areas; if possible, wear sombre and respectful clothing when in public; check local media regularly and follow the advice of the local authorities.

 

We will update this post with specific information as we confirm it.

[cdnvic]

Notice sent to schools:

 

Permanent Secretary for Education and Head of Office of Private Education Commission (OPEC) approved by the Minister of Education that International schools should, out of respect for His Majesty:
Close for one day, (Friday 14th October)
Fly the flag of Thailand at half mast for 30 days
Refrain from public festivities or entertainment events for 30 days
Uphold a time of mourning for one year 

[cdnvic]

There are many flights, both arrivals and departures from Suvarnabhumi Airport listed as cancelled. Please check your flight status at  http://suvarnabhumiairport.com/en or contact your airline.

 

Flights to/from Don Muang appear to be normal.

 

http://www.donmuangairportonline.com/flight-status

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cdnvic]

Many Thais will be flocking to temples in the next few days. Due to the larger than normal crowds it may not be the time to sightsee or other touristy activities. As emotions are running high be extra careful to follow polite protocol regarding dress and behaviour when attending these gatherings. Things like flash photography that are overlooked on normal days may be taken as intrusive and disrespectful.

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Bars and entertainment venues on Samui expected to close for between 3-7 days.

 

No parties on Koh Phangan for next 30 days. 

[ubonjoe]

Immigration at Chaeng Wattana is open today. Info provided in a message from a member.

 

Edit: Update by another message is that they are closing at 11:00. 

 

[webfact]

Hua Hin immigration office is closed
Back open Monday
 

[webfact]

Cabinet declares October 14 official holiday

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The cabinet has declared Friday October 14 as an official holiday to allow members of the public to mourn the passing away of His Majesty the King.

 

The cabinet also announced the suspension of all entertainment activities for one-month period starting October 14.

 

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police Bureau announced the closure of some roads, mostly in Thon Buri, as of 10 am Friday to facilitate the removal of HM the King’s body in a Royal procession from Siriraj hospital to the Dusit Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.

 

The procession will move out of Siriraj hospital into Arun-amarin road, crossing the Pinklao bridge, turning right in front of Rajdamnoen Nai and Na Phra Larn roads and then turning left into Maharaj road before entering the Grand Palace through the Thevaphirom gate.

 

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/cabinet-declares-october-14-official-holiday/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2016-10-14

[ubonjoe]

45 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Immigration at Chaeng Wattana is open today. Info provided in a message from a member.

 

Edit: Update by another message is that they are closing at 11:00. 

 

 

10 minutes ago, webfact said:

Hua Hin immigration office is closed
Back open Monday
 

Immigration at Chaeng Wattana are telling people this " All urgent issues can be resolved the next opening day if due date today because of special situation."

Since today has been declared a holiday if your permit to stay is ending today or during the weekend you will not be fined for an overstay as long as you go to immigration on the first day they are open.

[webfact]

Crowds swell along route of King's journey to Palace

By Sasiwan Mokkhasen, Staff Reporter -

 

 

BANGKOK — Hundreds of people slept overnight in the streets of the capital to have a spot from which to bid farewell to King Bhumibol Adulyadej as he is brought from Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace.

 

The royal procession will depart from the west side of Siriraj Hospital at 1pm before turning north onto Arun Amarin Road. From Arun Amarin Junction, it will head east on Somdet Phra Pink Klao Road and over the Chao Phraya River to the Sanam Luang. 

 

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/bangkok/2016/10/14/heres-route-majestys-procession/

 

-- © Copyright Khaosod English 2016-10-14

[webfact]

Great number of people wait for royal procession around Siriraj

The Nation 

 

Thousands of people in black are waiting on footpaths around the Siriraj Hospital to pay respect to His Majesty during the procession of His Majesty's body from the hospital to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace.

 

The procession will start at 1 pm.

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Great-number-of-people-wait-for-royal-procession-a-30297670.html

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-14

[webfact]

Procession of King’s body from Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace begins at 1.00pm today

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The Bureau of the Royal Household today announced a statement saying that the procession of the body of His Majesty in royal urn will move out of the Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace at 1.00 pm today.

 

The statement said the procession will move out from the hospital’s Gate 8 using Arun-amarin road.

 

The procession will turn right crossing Arun-amarin bridge, and Phra Pinklao bridge and move along Ratchadamnoen road to the Grand Palace.

 

The procession will enter the Grand Palace by the Thevapirom gate.

 

The public are welcomed to watch the procession from any vantage point along the route but they must wear only plain black clothes.

 

Traffic along the route from Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace will be closed temporarily until the procession passes.

 

Meanwhile at the Siriraj Hospital today, hundreds of thousands of people from across the country have arrived and began to occupy all spaces leading to Gate 8 to have the close was to the King’s procession.

 

Full story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/procession-kings-body-siriraj-hospital-grand-palace-begins-1-00pm-today/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2016-10-14

[webfact]

Live broadcast of procession at 2.30pm

 

 

The procession carrying the body of His Majesty the King in royal urn will be broadcast live on TV Pool today, Government spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said today.

 

The procession will move out of Siriraj Hospital from Gate 8 to the Grand Palace at about 3.00 pm.

 

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be at the hospital at 1.00 pm to accompany the Royal procession.

 

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/live-broadcast-of-procession-at-2-30pm/

 

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2016-10-14

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Latest information on what’s open and closed today and over the weekend

 

If you were due to attend an event today or indeed over this coming week, best advice is to contact the venue first.

 

Most events that were due to be held this weekend have been cancelled, with some major events due to take place next week also cancelled.

 

Bars, restaurants and alcohol sales

 

Most bars and restaurants will be open, although some may decide to stay closed until after weekend. 

 

For places that remain open it is likely will do so without music and may also choose not to serve alcohol, with the atmosphere understandably more subdued than normal.

 

However, alcohol sales are permitted, with the usual rules on the sale of alcohol applying - sales permitted 11am to 2pm and from 5pm to 12am.

 

There will be no alcohol sales on Oct 16th as this is a Buddhist holiday, Wanok Phansa, the last day of lent. 

 

Shopping Malls

 

All major shopping malls remain open. Many stores of Villa Market, Makro, Big C, Tesco Lotus and Gourmet Market are open.

 

Many local stores are open. 

 

Major Cineplex is open but is showing reduced screenings.  SF Cinema is closed.

 

Immigration, government offices, financial institutions, hospitals

 

Immigration offices throughout Thailand are closed on Friday - expected to re-open on Monday 17th.

 

The Stock Exchange of Thailand is open and trading as normal.

 

Banks are open.

 

All hospitals remain open. Most clinics remain open.

 

Embassies

 

The following embassies are open on Friday:

 

United Kingdom
Russia
France
United States
Germany
Norway
Canada
Netherlands - Contact Centre is available on + 31 247 247 247 or on Twitter (@247BZ) 24hrs.
New Zealand
Australia (Embassy open, Chiang Mai consular event postponed)
Indonesia
Switzerland
Italy
Singapore

Other events

 

The Full Moon Party on October 17 has been cancelled, with unconfirmed reports that there will be no ‘moon’ parties on Koh Phangan for the whole 30 day mourning period. 

 

The Morrissey Concert scheduled for Oct 18 has been cancelled.

 

The Book Expo which is being held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center is open and will run as scheduled until Oct 24th. 

 

Advisory

 

If you are going out tonight or this weekend, please be aware this is an official period of mourning and you should respect the feelings and sensitivities of the Thai people at this time and you should behave respectfully when in public areas; if possible, wear sombre and respectful clothing when in public; check local media regularly and follow the advice of the local authorities.

[webfact]

Government lottery drawing not broadcast live

The Natiion

 

The Government Lottery Office will continue with the drawing of lottery results for the October 16 round but the event will not be broadcast live as usual.

 

Read more: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Government-lottery-drawing-not-broadcast-live-30297677.html

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-14

[Jonathan Fairfield]

 

 

No info yet on when it will reopen

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Chiang Mai: - The Night Bazaar and Sunday walking street and Wualai Walking Street have been suspended until further notice.

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Comprehensive list of concerts and events that have been cancelled: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Activities-and-events-postponed-30297676.html

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-14

[Jonathan Fairfield]

[Jonathan Fairfield]

TAT issues advice for foreigners in Thailand 

 

Recommendations regarding Mourning Period for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/948844-tat-issues-advice-for-foreigners-in-thailand /

 

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Some reports that alcohol sales in supermarkets have been suspended until Monday: 

 

 

[Jonathan Fairfield]

PATTAYA:

 

Loy Kratong, International Fireworks Festival and New Year celebrations - cancelled

 

[rooster59]

Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple closed till Oct 20

The Nation

 

BANGKOK:-- The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple will be closed to tourists all days from Friday to Thursday October 20, the Royal Household Bureau announced.

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Grand-Palace-Emerald-Buddha-Temple-closed-till-Oct-30297749.html

 

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-15