Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, died on Thursday at the age of 88 following 70 years on the throne. The country is now in a 30-day state of mourning, and travelers to Thailand in the coming weeks should be prepared to be flexible. "For a majority of Thais, for how long he’s been king, it literally is their lifetime. They’ve never known another king," says Andrea Ross, a Condé Nast Traveler specialist who runs Journeys Within, a Southeast Asia tour company. "You have to see this as a personal loss. It's like you’re going to a country where the people have all lost a family member—think of the reverence you would show if you went to somebody’s home who was mourning the loss of a family member. Understanding it as a family member really helps make the mourning, and how big of a deal this is, come to life." Though all transport, banks, hospitals, and other public services will be operating as usual, here's what else you should know.
Clothing
As part of the official monthlong mourning period, Thai people will wear black, white, or dark colors. (Government employees and the Royal Family will wear black for a full year, which is their designated period of mourning.) While it is not mandatory for travelers or expats to wear black, it is recommended, says Ross, who lived in Thailand on-and-off from 2005 to 2012. "More subdued colors, and just showing that respect, is going to be really appreciated by the guides and the people that are going to be showing them around and, also, by the people just walking by in the street." The Tourism Ministry of Thailand made a similar request, noting that "if possible, [visitors] should wear somber and respectful clothing when in public."
Celebrations
There are no state and official celebrations for the next 30 days, and if there were any major events scheduled, they have most likely been canceled. (Koh Phangan’s famous full moon party, on October 17, has been canceled, as has the sold-out Morrissey concert.) Ross reports that many nightclubs have closed (Popular hangout Soi Cowboy, for example, is closed indefinitely), as have several movie theaters, and while alcohol is still being sold, bars will only stay open until 1 a.m. Loud or raucous activity is forbidden, and there can't be any music heard on the streets. The popular lantern festival, Loi Krathong ("Festival of Light"), falls outside of the monthlong mourning period, but will either be canceled or extremely subdued—no pageants, parades, or fireworks, and mostly limited to setting off the lanterns and floating the krathongs.
Closings
The Grand Palace has been closed indefinitely. "We believe it will be closed for the 30 days of mourning, but they haven't given a definitive reopening date," says Ross, who also notes that the king's body may lie in repose for up to a year so that the people can pay their respects. (After a Friday procession and funeral, the king's body is presently in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew, inside the Grand Palace complex.) Travelers should also be prepared for other entertainment closings in the 30-day mourning period, with access to restaurants, bars, and shopping areas potentially restricted. Unsure about whether or not your destination will be closed? Make sure to call ahead.
What to Say (and Not Say)
Thailand has strict lèse-majesté laws, meaning that insults—perceived or real—against the monarchy can land you in serious trouble. (A law dating back to 1908 states that anyone who "defames, insults, or threatens" the king, the queen, the heir-apparent, or the regent will be punished with up to 15 years in prison.) "They are serious about the Royal Family, and it's definitely not something you want to mess with," says Ross. Still, travelers should feel free to vocalize their condolences. "In this case, you can say you're sorry for the loss, and ask people how they're doing, and commiserate with them a little bit. That's fine, and encouraged, actually," says Ross.
What Else You May Encounter
Expect to see many shaved heads, which are signs of respect and reverence for the recently deceased. Travelers may also find that regular television programming is unavailable, as documentaries about the king's life have replaced regular shows and broadcasts for an indefinite period of time. Visitors are free to enjoy Thailand's beaches as usual, but there will be no celebrations, and alcohol being sold on beaches will vary by location.
