When is it ok to wear something else than black?

[Shaunduhpostman]

Forgot about the bright color avoidance thing a few days ago and wore a neon red shirt and a cobalt blue with florescent orange scarf. 10 minutes after I was already out the door and right in downtown Bangkok remembered the sombre attire thing. But As usual was mostly ignored by most including people I tried to talk to such as sales people. I don't think it is a problem at all anymore, no one some much as even blinked at me in 6 hours of running around town in screaming red, blue and orange psychedelia. They probably mistook me for a lorikeet.

[Mr0Yallow]

As I recall the prime minister stated in his address that Thai people should show mourning for the passing of the King for 30 days, Thai Government employees & officers shall show mourning for 1 year. 

Personally, Every time I spend cash, I will wave goodbye to the King. 

[sotonowl]

Sure it wasn't the stockings, suspenders and flippers you were wearing that they objected to?

[likeke]

Come on folks!  How difficult is it to wear a black shirt. Think of it as a plus to show respect to a visiting country. It will be easy to pack 3 or 4 black shirts/shorts/blouse. Don't have to worry about coordinating colors, etc. Show some respect for crying out loud! For myself, I am going back to Bangkok next month after having lived there for 3 years on retirement extension. and packing essentially what I described above. I have 2 pairs of black Levis, shorts, and 3 shirts. 

[Centrum]

3 hours ago, likeke said:

Come on folks!  How difficult is it to wear a black shirt. Think of it as a plus to show respect to a visiting country. It will be easy to pack 3 or 4 black shirts/shorts/blouse. Don't have to worry about coordinating colors, etc. Show some respect for crying out loud! For myself, I am going back to Bangkok next month after having lived there for 3 years on retirement extension. and packing essentially what I described above. I have 2 pairs of black Levis, shorts, and 3 shirts. 

If you are coming into to Thailand, then wear whatever you like. Nobody will care.

If you live here, you may want to throw on the occasional black shirt just for appearances.

If you choose to wear black for the rest of your life as an extended mourning period, no one will notice. They'll assume you're another farang 'Goth'.

 

[Centrum]

7 hours ago, puukao said:

IF you respect Thailand, you will continue to wear Black for one year.

 

IF you want people to think you actually care for the people here, one year

 

IF you want people to think you are a bad farang and couldn't care less about Thailand, any color

 

Seriously, it's only one year.  If you can't wear Black, GO HOME!!!!!  

 

lol

Now, I'm definitely not wearing black, nor going home.

[bandito]

14 hours ago, khunPer said:

I think it's depending of where you live – you said Bangkok and compared with Hua Hin – i.e. the area of Bangkok and the circles where you get around/work in the city.

 

Outside Bangkok, and especially the holiday destinations, things got back to normal after the 30 days official mourning period – however some locals still wear the black bow or badge – whilst in areas of Bangkok it seem like the Thais will continue to wear black; i.e. our neighbor's wife moved to their Bangkok apartment to part in the mourning ceremonies, and as she now expect to stay there for about a year, she has ordered black silk to have additional dress tailored from, as in the area she live in, people expects that she wear black.

 

But one can always avoid too fancy bright colors, a white shirt will also do fine, especially with a black bow, badge or ribbon – however, listen to what your girlfriend say, she should know better than us aliens...

 

The girlfriend is just scared sh.....s that she will be attacked, by other Thais, because of this.

My wife is also still wearing black and this is upcountry, I'm not (wearing black that is).

[brewsterbudgen]

IF you respect Thailand, you will continue to wear Black for one year.
 
IF you want people to think you actually care for the people here, one year
 
IF you want people to think you are a bad farang and couldn't care less about Thailand, any color
 
Seriously, it's only one year.  If you can't wear Black, GO HOME!!!!!  
 
lol

What nonsense. There is absolutely nothing disrespectful about not wearing black, now the official mourning period is over and a new King has ascended.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Yes exactly I most wore black/white/gray for a month, but after that month it's done. 

 

That said I'm not in Bangkok;  for a Bangkok business trip, especially one that involves Bangkok Thais I might still go with black/gray. 

 

Everywhere else though it's not even a topic.

 

And the ultra royalists will likely wear black for the rest of their lives: good on them.

[rwdrwdrwd]

7 hours ago, likeke said:

Come on folks!  How difficult is it to wear a black shirt. Think of it as a plus to show respect to a visiting country. It will be easy to pack 3 or 4 black shirts/shorts/blouse. Don't have to worry about coordinating colors, etc. Show some respect for crying out loud! For myself, I am going back to Bangkok next month after having lived there for 3 years on retirement extension. and packing essentially what I described above. I have 2 pairs of black Levis, shorts, and 3 shirts. 

The 30 day mourning period is over. It is only public employees that are expected to wear black for a year.

[samsensam]

 

it has always been ok not to wear black, unless you are a civil servant as they have been ordered to wear black to work for a year, it was considered respectful to wear dull colours but not mandatory.

 

i live and work in central bangkok and dont possess any black clothes and have had no issues.

 

dont think too much.

 

 

[OJAS]

7 hours ago, likeke said:

Come on folks!  How difficult is it to wear a black shirt. Think of it as a plus to show respect to a visiting country. It will be easy to pack 3 or 4 black shirts/shorts/blouse. Don't have to worry about coordinating colors, etc. Show some respect for crying out loud! For myself, I am going back to Bangkok next month after having lived there for 3 years on retirement extension. and packing essentially what I described above. I have 2 pairs of black Levis, shorts, and 3 shirts. 

 

Hear hear!

 

Give me black any time over the colourful attire commonplace in LOS up to a few weeks ago, which looks like it has been dyed with regurgitated pizza!

[geriatrickid]

12 hours ago, puukao said:

IF you respect Thailand, you will continue to wear Black for one year.

IF you want people to think you actually care for the people here, one year

IF you want people to think you are a bad farang and couldn't care less about Thailand, any color

Seriously, it's only one year.  If you can't wear Black, GO HOME!!!!!  

 

lol

 

What's funny about a nonsensical comment? How many times does it have to be stated, that unless one is   a member of one of the  job classes covered by the  military administration's decree, there is no requirement  or expectation to wear black, especially if one is not a Thai national.

Edited December 13, 2016 by geriatrickid

[geriatrickid]

8 hours ago, likeke said:

Come on folks!  How difficult is it to wear a black shirt. Think of it as a plus to show respect to a visiting country. It will be easy to pack 3 or 4 black shirts/shorts/blouse. Don't have to worry about coordinating colors, etc. Show some respect for crying out loud! For myself, I am going back to Bangkok next month after having lived there for 3 years on retirement extension. and packing essentially what I described above. I have 2 pairs of black Levis, shorts, and 3 shirts. 

 

No  Poor advice.  Do you not realize that even in the mouring period, white was allowed? This isn't a Sicilian funeral.

 

All of the major foreign missions have provided guidance on the issue, and surprise, surprise, the people who's job it is to be culturally aware and sensitive have a different position than you do. The  Thai government provides advice completely different from yours. Now who do you think knows what they are talking about? Let me see; Government of Thailand, or retired white guy who still doesn't get it? I'll take my chances with the government advisory.

 

Issued on 22 October 2016 at 13.00 hrs. (GMT+7)

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to advise the following:
•      Most Thai people will be dressed in black or white clothing as a display of the reverence to our king and as part of Thai culture, but this is not mandatory, especially for visitors.
•     Polite and respectable behavior and attire would be highly appreciated. If tourists would like to take part in showing respect to our king, they can pin black ribbons on their clothes. The ribbons will be available at the immigration counter at Suvarnabhumi Airport or from many spots in the country.
•     Meetings, receptions and other related occasions taking place within the premises can be held as usual, but may be adjusted as a mark of respect for the mourning period.
•     Most of the traditional, religious, cultural events and festivals; such as Loi Krathong, Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, Songkran, including MICE events and weddings will continue as planned, although the celebrations may be adjusted as a mark of respect to His Majesty King.
 

The above is quite explicit and clear.  IT IS NOT MANDATORY TO WEAR BLACK,  nor even required for that matter.  IF A VISTOR WISHES, the visitor can wear a black ribbon. This too is not required.  Overall, the Thai approach is low key and accomodating.  Nothing is being forced on anyone.

 

Know what the typical foreign service message is?  Here's Australia;

To demonstrate respect for the Thai people, refrain from any behaviour that may be interpreted as festive, disrespectful or disorderly, and consider wearing sombre and respectful clothing in public. A black ribbon can be worn as a mark of respect. Abide by local laws and respect Thai customs 

The Australians do not say anything about a requirement to dress in black. There is no need to wear black. Unless one is a long time resident and is woven into the fabric of his/her mooban, it is neither required, nor expected.

 

 I suggest you have a look at the guests attending this month's round of Christmas luncheons and receptions with multinational employer and foreign diplomatic corps attendance. Not overly somber, nor attired in black or white. Some consul staff and guests are wearing their Looney Toons christmas ties, others have donned Santa hats. 

 

 

 

[stephenterry]

I've ditched my gaudy ladyboy outfits, and am relying on my close-fitting sombre attire slit to the hips that also accentuates my silicone tits. No problem in getting smiles. 

But jokingly,  I respect Thailand and the late King.

[khunPer]

6 hours ago, bandito said:

 

The girlfriend is just scared sh.....s that she will be attacked, by other Thais, because of this.

My wife is also still wearing black and this is upcountry, I'm not (wearing black that is).

Yes, that can well be the reason, and the same for the the "other Thais" – so "everybody" still wears black...

[GarryP]

21 hours ago, Jedsada3 said:

 

When I go to Lotus, to Makro, to the bank or to any other place where a big pic of HM the King is shown at the entrance, I wai because I respect him.

 

Even most Thais don't do that.  Bit over the top, perhaps?

[chuang]

It's ok back to normal colors now, but if you feel uneasy just pin a black ribbon to your shirt.

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[Mitkof Island]

Black has always been my favorite color. Having said that i was getting bored wearing the same thing so after 30 days decided it was ok to wear other colors. Have not been attacked by any mobs of Thais yet.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Even Thai government websites are going back to the usual. 

See for example the immigration dept site:  www.immigration.go.th

 

Long Live the King!

 

[fruitman]

21 hours ago, Centrum said:

Just don't wear red. You'll be fine. The majority of locals are over it and only wear black because of the chance of losing face. No one cares what a farang is wearing. I see loads of Thais wearing football shirts again. Man Utd happen to be red.

 

I haven't seen the footyshirts yet in BKK, it's still black or with a ribbon. 

 

I also still wear black, it's cold now so i'm fine with it for the time being.

[roo860]

Black has always been my favorite color. Having said that i was getting bored wearing the same thing so after 30 days decided it was ok to wear other colors. Have not been attacked by any mobs of Thais yet.

You seem to be a bit moody in the pic.

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[Krataiboy]

Wonder what the republicans are wearing right now?

[Krataiboy]

Silly me. Armour, of course.

[6thST]

On 12/12/2016 at 2:38 PM, SpokaneAl said:

How do you know they were a. Disapproving looks and b. Based upon the choice of your apparel?

Were you wearing a shirt? Was you lady friend wearing shorts too short? Were her Breast hanging out? Just asking!

[roo860]

Were you wearing a shirt? Was you lady friend wearing shorts too short? Were her Breast hanging out? Just asking!

.can you post a pic of her?

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[Centrum]

23 hours ago, Krataiboy said:

Wonder what the republicans are wearing right now?

I'm wearing grey, if you must know.

[kannot]

give  it  about  a  100 years  or  so.................thats  what "they  who must  be obeyed" would  like

[Krataiboy]

4 hours ago, Centrum said:

I'm wearing grey, if you must know.

 

" . .  grey is the color most commonly associated with neutrality, conformity, boredom, uncertainty, old age, indifference, and modesty."- Wikipedia.

 

So which is it in your case?

[balo]

Red is not a problem anymore , I have seen plenty of red colored shirts in Chiang Mai . Or any color you want .  As long you're not working here.