Last Updated on November 3, 2025 by gisela
Thailand is observing a national mourning period following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, on 24 October 2025 in Bangkok. The Tourism Authority of Thailand confirms that daily life and tourism continue as normal, with an emphasis on respectful dress and conduct.
Getting to know Queen Sirikit
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit served as Queen Consort to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and later as The Queen Mother during the reign of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The Bureau of the Royal Household announced her passing at the age of 93, marking a moment of national remembrance for a life of public service.
A legacy woven into Thai culture
Many travelers encounter the Queen’s cultural legacy through Thai textiles and traditional crafts. The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles at the Grand Palace preserves and presents this heritage to the public, while the SUPPORT Foundation, established under her patronage, has long promoted village craft skills and livelihoods.
What the mourning period means for tourist
Thailand remains open and fully operational. Tourist attractions, transport, restaurants, shops, and events proceed as usual, but tourists are suggested to dress and behave respectfully, especially at temples, royal sites, and government premises. Key guidelines include national flags at half-mast for 30 days from 25 October 2025, mourning attire for government officials for one year, and encouragement for the public to wear black or subdued colours for 90 days.
Temporary closures and where to go instead
Even though some royal sites such as The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaew) are closed from 26 October to 8 November 2025 for royal rites, this is a great moment to spend a day outside Bangkok. Thailand remains open and welcoming, and nearby destinations offer a calm, respectful atmosphere with plenty to see.
Day-trip ideas from Bangkok:
- Ayutthaya – UNESCO-listed temple ruins, riverside views, easy circuits of historical parks.
- Kanchanaburi – Erawan waterfalls, the River Kwai, scenic drives and quiet viewpoints.
- Khao Yai – flower fields, gardens, and vineyard stops in cooler highland air.
- Pattaya – sea breezes, hilltop lookouts, and relaxed beachfront promenades.
- Hua Hin – long beaches, night markets, and coastal cafés.
If your travel dates align, regional festivals continue with respectful adjustments. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s official announcement, Sukhothai’s Loi Krathong (27 Oct–5 Nov) features nightly 21:21 candle tributes, Ayutthaya’s celebrations proceed in toned-down formats, and “Vijit Chao Phraya Thailand 2025” is rescheduled to 9 Nov–23 Dec with softened lighting and drone displays.
Tourist etiquette and practical tips
Choose dark or muted clothing when visiting temples, royal precincts, or government venues. Keep voices low near memorial areas, follow on-site instructions, and expect some venues to soften music or entertainment. If an attraction adjusts hours for ceremonies, check same-day updates via official channels of each place.
Thoughtful day trips beyond Bangkok
Travel continues with a quieter tone. If you prefer a mindful day outside the capital, Go Thai Transport offers private, door-to-door trips with respectful adjustments to timing, music, and attire guidance: Bangkok to Pattaya for sea views and promenades; Bangkok to Kanchanaburi for Erawan waterfalls and the River Kwai; Bangkok to Khao Yai for gardens, flower fields, and vineyards; Bangkok to Ayutthaya for UNESCO-listed temples; Bangkok to Hua Hin for beaches and coastal cafés. We monitor official notices, reroute around any ceremonial closures, brief guests on modest dress and temple etiquette, and return you to Bangkok the same day.
How Go Thai Transport supports your plans
Before you travel, please check official notices (e.g., TAT News) for any ceremony-related changes, operating hours, dress guidance, or photo rules at your destinations.
- Confirm each site’s hours and any temporary closures on the day of your visit.
- Prepare a simple Plan B nearby (for example, Wat Pho with Museum Siam; Wat Arun with a Chao Phraya riverboat; Grand Palace with the National Museum).
- Allow extra time for lines or modified entry during the mourning period.
- Dress modestly and behave respectfully—these are each tourist’s responsibility.
Go Thai Transport provides private, door-to-door transport for the route and timing you select. If you choose to change stops during your booking window, we’ll proceed to the updated destination within the allotted time and subject to traffic and local regulations.