Long Live the King

The Thai King died October 13, 2016, and Thailand changed.  It's illegal to speak about the King and royal family negatively or threaten them in any way - especially in this grieving period for the country.  So, here are the facts:

  • The King ruled for 70 years from age 18 to 88 and was the longest living monarch in the world.  He's the only King most Thais have ever known.  They love him deeply and call him "father."  
  • The King's royal funeral will be 100 days after his death.  However, the mourning period will be one year in Thailand until October 2017.  
  • Thais will wear black, gray, or white for the next year to honor the King.  Or, they will wear a black ribbon on their left sleeve if they do not wear all black.
If you are not wearing black, a ribbon should be placed on your left sleeve to honor the King.

If you are not wearing black, a ribbon should be placed on your left sleeve to honor the King.

This is the Thai wardrobe for the next year.  

This is the Thai wardrobe for the next year.  

  • Shrines are all over Thailand for Thais to pay their respects.  Literally, everywhere.  In front of schools, gas stations, on the side of the road, you name it.
Thais can write tributes and pay homage to the King at any of his shrines country wide.  

Thais can write tributes and pay homage to the King at any of his shrines country wide.  

 

  • Thais are not happy with tourists showing disrespect to their King.
Many Thais are posting statuses like this on their Facebook due to tourists disrespecting their King.

Many Thais are posting statuses like this on their Facebook due to tourists disrespecting their King.

If you're planning to visit Thailand before October 2017, here's what you need to know:

  • No live music, entertainment, or parades until after the first 30 days of mourning
    • Most bars are closed indefinitely, quit serving alcohol, or close early
    • Bangkok's famous Khao San Road and Red Light District are "off" until further notice.  However, I was just in Bangkok and some bars were open until midnight.
    • Sporting events, festivals, etc. have been cancelled for the first 30 day
    • Loy Krathong was cancelled in most provinces
  • Most restrictions will stay in place until the funeral, which is 100 days after the King's passing
Google's cultural awareness game is strong.  The homepage will have a black logo for one year.

Google's cultural awareness game is strong.  The homepage will have a black logo for one year.

AirAsia knows what's up, as well.  

AirAsia knows what's up, as well.  

If you plan to visit Thailand within the next year, you need to be aware of the countries grieving period and show respect accordingly.  The King will live on in Thai hearts for decades to come.