Thailand mourns Queen Sirikit as national mourning begins

Thailand has entered a period of national mourning following the death of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, who died on October 24 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on October 25 that government offices, state enterprises and educational institutions will fly the national flag at half mast for 30 days, civil servants and state enterprise employees are to wear mourning attire for one year, and the public is asked to observe 90 days of subdued dress.

Officials said the Queen Mother, 93, had been hospitalized since 2019 with multiple illnesses and developed a bloodstream infection that led to her death. The Bureau of the Royal Household has said she will lie in state at the royal seat for one year before cremation, and several royal merit making ceremonies are being scheduled in the coming weeks.

The government has not ordered a suspension of public or tourism activities, but organisers and businesses have been asked to modify formats and exercise restraint. The Tourism Authority of Thailand said tourist attractions, transport services, hotels, restaurants and shops remain open and operational, while...