Tourist points shut, events cancelled as Thailand mourns for King

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has posted a list of closed tourist attractions and cancelled events during the mourning period for late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

According to the list, the Grand Palace and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where funeral rites is being held, are closed till October 20, Xinhua news agency reported.

Two Thai boxing stadiums, Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium and Lumpini Boxing Stadium, are closed. Ratchadamnoen's reopen waits for further notice, while it is closed for one month.

Muay Thai Live at Asiatique The Riverfront, a night market visited by many foreign tourists, is closed until October 17.

In the meantime, some events such as BIGBANG Made [V.I.P] Tour, Ghost Fair at Mega Bangna, Pattaya Loi Krathong Festival, Pattaya International Fireworks Festival and New Year Celebrations in Pattaya, have been cancelled.

Many local and international concerts and performances have also been cancelled, according to the list.

The tourism authority told Xinhua news agency that the list will be updated on Monday.

It also recommended that any visitors with travel or tourism plans reconfirm with agents and check the media regularly as well as follow the advice of local authorities for announcements and updates.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha earlier called on the public to refrain from festivities for 30 days from Friday while government personnel nationwide were told to mourn the monarch's death for a year.

The tourism authority also said that black and white dresses were not required of visitors, but "if possible, visitors should wear sombre and respectful clothing when in public".

Entertainment venues such as bars and nightclubs have been asked by the government to consider the opening of their business operations during this period, but the decisions are to be made by individual owners.

--IANS

py/vt