The citizens of Thailand continue to mourn the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol who died peacefully at Siriraj Hospital last week. The country will observe a 30-day mourning period to allow people to pay respects to the monarch. During this time, nightlife and entertainment will be toned down at venues throughout the Thailand.
TV and radio channels have returned to their own programming after showing live coverage of the procession of His Majesty The King on Friday. Channels then broadcasted documentaries on the late King’s work. According to local media reports all media outlets must refrain from entertainment and overly emotional content during the mourning period.
In a statement, the broadcasting committee of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission explained shows during the 30-day mourning period should not include any element of entertainment, dancing, joy, violence, impoliteness or overly expressed emotion.
The city’s historic Grand Palace will be closed to tourist until later this week. During this time, the Royal Household Bureau will open the Sala Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion inside the compound for people to sign books of condolence. Tourists are asked to stay away from the palace until it reopens.
Nightlife and entertainment venues will also be operating on a limited schedules during the 30-day mourning period. Several bars and nightclubs in Bangkok announced they will be closed indefinitely while others will be closing early and operating in a subdued fashion. Loud music and out of control parties and behavior is not allowed during the mourning period. Alcohol sales are allowed during this time.
Movie theatres are open in Bangkok, however, some films may not be shown as scheduled. A number of concerts have also been cancelled or postponed in accordance to the mourning period.
People are urged to contact entertainment venues directly for more information on any possible closures, cancellations or postponements.
