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Friday, October 14, 2016

[updated] Advice for travellers to Thailand in wake of King's passing

It is with great sadness and disbelief that the Kingdom of Thailand and all of its subjects has lost its unifying father and dearly beloved King. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has passed away peacefully after a long sick bed, surrounded by members of the Royal Family and dignitaries. Asian Trails joins the Kingdom in mourning the loss of one of the world’s greatest humanitarians, the world’s longest reigning monarch in history and longest serving head of state.

Thailand truly has lost a guide, a loving father and source of inspiration that devoted his life for the betterment of all Thais. His Majesty, at the very respectable age of 88, has been the driving force in bringing peace, harmony and prosperity throughout the nation and to all walks of life, irrespectively of religion, race or gender to the Kingdom since his ascension to the throne in 1946 as the 9th Rama King of the Chakri Dynasty.

In line with Buddhist belief and the constitutional regulations of the country, the Thai Government has declared an official mourning period of 30 days, likely affecting various entertainment venues and public performances around the country. Asian Trails asks all travellers to dress respectfully and act gracefully, especially nearby any mourning rituals or gatherings. There is, as of today, no clear guideline available about any restrictions on the sale of alcoholic drinks, but outdoor places will likely not serve any alcohol during this period.

At this moment, all operations inside Thailand – including public transportation, airports, train stations and cruise ports – remain unaffected with the exception of visits to royal sights such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Also shopping malls continue to operate as normal.

We will regularly communicate with all concerned and monitor the situation closely about operational matters that may affect customers’ travel plans and sights that may be closed during the coming period. We will provide updates as necessary via email or via our social media channels.

We are sincerely honoured to have received so many messages of sympathy and condolences in the past hours from business partners and friends. These messages of sharing the sorrow have touched us deeply and we extend these wishes over to our Thailand team.

- Laurent Kuenzle, CEO, Asian Trails

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From: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Thailand is now in an official period of mourning following the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Thais wearing somber attire during mourning.
In this regard, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like all visitors to Thailand to continue with their travel plans as normal. Furthermore, kindly be advised of the following:
• Many Thai people will be wearing black or white clothing as a sign of mourning. This is not required of visitors but if possible, they should wear sombre and respectful clothing when in public.
• Visitors should refrain from conducting any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour.
• Tourist attractions will be open as usual with the exception of Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace, as they will be the venue of the Royal Funeral Rites.
• The Government has asked for the cooperation from the entertainment venues; such as, bars and nightclubs to consider the opening of their business operations during this time. The decision will be made by the individual owners.
• Most of the traditional and cultural events will be taking place as usual, although the celebrations may be changed for appropriateness as a mark of respect, or the events may be dedicated to the memory of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
• All transport, banks, hospitals and other public services will be operating as usual.
• The related authorities have stepped up safety and security measures for all Thais and visitors to facilitate their travelling around the country.


Status of tourist attractions
The Grand Palace and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha    
Closed 14-20 October 2016
Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Open as usual
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
Open as usual
National Museum Bangkok
Queen’s Gallery
Open as usual (09.00-16.00 Hrs.)
Closed 14-16 October 2016
Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium
Closed until further notice
Lumpini Boxing Stadium Ramindra
Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
Closed for one month from October 2016
Closed 14-16 October 2016
The Alcazar Cabaret, Pattaya
Open as usual (daily show times at 17.00, 18.30, 20.00 and 21.30 Hrs., but the last show has been cancelled until end of  October 2016
Tiffany’s Show, Pattaya
Open as usual (daily show times at 18.00, 19.30 and 21.00 Hrs.)
Muay Thai Live at Asiatique The Riverfront
Closed, until 17 October 2016
Siam Niramit    
Open as usual (17.00-20.00 Hrs.)
Phuket Simon Cabaret
Open as usual (18.00-22.30 Hrs.)
Calypso at Asiatique The Riverfront
Open as usual (no alcohol)
The Square Buddha Amulet Market, Bangkok
Closed until further notice
Chiang Mai Walking Street on Saturday and Sunday & Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Closed until further notice


Status of events and cultural festivals
Events cancelled
Buffalo Racing Festival 2016, Chon Buri
9-15 October 2016
Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession
9-17 October 2016
Oasis: Supersonic – Thailand Premiere, Bangkok
17 October 2016
Morrissey Live in Bangkok
18 October 2016
Scorpions 50th Anniversary Tour 2016, BITEC, Bangkok
26 October 2016
2016 Lee Jongsuk Fan Meeting Variety in Bangkok, Thunder Dome, Bangkok
28 October 2016
BIGBANG Made [V.I.P] Tour in Bangkok, IMPACT Arena
29-30 October 2016
Ghost Fair at Mega Bangna, Bangkok,
20-31 October 2016
Bangkok Symphony Orchestra 2016 – The Sound of Thai Heritage
21 October 2016
Yi Peng Chiang Mai
12-15 November 2016
Pattaya Loi Krathong Festival
14 November 2016
Pattaya International Fireworks Festival
25-26 November 2016
New Year Celebrations, Pattaya
31 December 2016 – 1 January 2017
*Many local and international concerts and performances have also been cancelled.

Events postponed indefinitely or to new dates
The End of the Buddhist Lent at Indo-China Market, Mukdahan
14-16 October 2016
Concert Moderndog at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani
15 October 2016
Concert ECTat Bitec Bangna, Bangkok
15 October 2016
Group Riding Bangkok
16 October 2016
FB Battery River Kwai Half Marathon at Kanchanaburi
16 October 2016
Chanthaburi Scenic Marathon
29-30 October 2016
Harmony World Puppet in Kanchanaburi 2016
(1-7 November 2016 (new dates 20-26 February 2017)
Krabi Adventurous Trophy 2016
4-5 November 2016
Bangkok Street Show 2016 at Lumpini Park
10-12 December 2016

Events going ahead but scaled back
Rap Bua Festival at Bangphli, Samut Prakan
 12-15 October 2016
Poi Lynn Sib Et Festival, Mae Hong Son
14-16 October 2016

For any enquiries, please contact our TAT Sydney Office on (02) 9247 7549 or email info@thailand.net.au

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