Official mourning - possible impact on my impending trip to Thailand?

[penco]

Going to Thailand next week. What's the score with official mourning for the dead king? I assume that I'll have to wear a black ribbon to show respect (which is fine) but is it also still affecting other parts of Thai life? e.g. for me: tourism, entertainment, restaurants etc?

Anything in particular I should be aware of, so as not to cause offense? BTW it's not my first time in Thailand and I even speak some conversational Thai but it's been 2 years since my last visit and I don't know what the place is like during official national mourning, which I believe continues for 100 days.

[Cockwomble]

None

[PoorSucker]

None..

Exempt of you are planning to do firework display.

[ukrules]

Are people still wearing black in Bangkok ?

 

I'm talking about people in general, people walking around the malls, not the government officials who I believe will be wearing the black clothes for a full year.

[MartinL]

At an individual level, my observation of the Thais around me - in Khon Kaen province -  tells me that they're 'back to normal' in their daily dress although some wear a black ribbon but it's by no means universal.

 

Clothing is generally exactly as it was this time last year.

[KhunBENQ]

Since the core 30 days of mourning are over there is less and less impact that you would notice.

(the first two weeks after Oct 13 were quite noticeable)

 

Wearing the black ribbon is a nice gesture but not something "mandatory".

If you don't intend to visit the Grand Palace area there is little to think about.

 

[williamgeorgeallen]

i lived in thailand for almost as long as the king had been ill. for a decade i listened about how long thailand was going to be adversly affected when the end came. life got back to normal fairly quickly i would say, especially for most of the expat community.

[Tony125]

15 hours ago, ukrules said:

Are people still wearing black in Bangkok ?

 

I'm talking about people in general, people walking around the malls, not the government officials who I believe will be wearing the black clothes for a full year.

In Bangkok in the malls, cinema's , ect most are still wearing black or black ribbons or wristbands or the number  9 pins.

[henry15]

I live in Bangkok metropolis and 95% of the people still wear black. Speccialy the white collar workerd. Me and my wife still wear black. At least till the 100 day ceremonies

[ukrules]

I had heard this about Bangkok, here in Hua Hin everything is as before but some tourists who've just arrived from Bangkok are still wearing black.

 

They quickly change back to regular clothes once they realise they're the only ones.

[Autonuaq]

Seem you have the wrong additude if you ask a questions like thw one you askes and worry about this.

Think the best is not to go to Thailand and soent your time somewhere else.

[ukrules]

12 minutes ago, Autonuaq said:

Seem you have the wrong additude if you ask a questions like thw one you askes and worry about this.

Think the best is not to go to Thailand and soent your time somewhere else.

 

This is a ridiculous comment, he's merely asking what's going on as he hasn't been there in some years.

 

How else are you supposed to know anything if you don't ask ?

 

Most people won't ask anything - are you saying these who don't ask are the thoughtful and sincere people with the correct attitude ?

Edited January 5, 2017 by ukrules

[Suradit69]

4 hours ago, ukrules said:

 

This is a ridiculous comment, he's merely asking what's going on as he hasn't been there in some years.

 

How else are you supposed to know anything if you don't ask ?

 

Most people won't ask anything - are you saying these who don't ask are the thoughtful and sincere people with the correct attitude ?

 

Yes, it appears the O/P wanted to know how he should conduct himself and what things might be curtailed during the year of mourning. Seems a respectful and sensible thing to ask to be properly prepared.

 

 

4 hours ago, Autonuaq said:

Seem you have the wrong additude if you ask a questions like thw one

 

Certainly he seems to have a better"additude" than someone who didn't ask and then got off the plane in a neon yellow wife-beater & fuschia running shorts while wondering what was up with so many people wearing black.

[penco]

On 1/5/2017 at 11:51 AM, Autonuaq said:

Seem you have the wrong additude if you ask a questions like thw one you askes and worry about this.

Think the best is not to go to Thailand and soent your time somewhere else.

 

It's precisely because I like Thailand and its people and culture, that I am asking because I wouldn't wish to offend my Thai hosts. I'm only a guest in their country and I want to show due respect in the most appropriate way. It's also why I learnt to speak some Thai.