Funeral of the King of Thailand in October - full information. Funeral traditions in Thailand What is mourning in Thailand?
The most detailed information about how mourning takes place in Pattaya: what clothes tourists should wear, what establishments are closed during this period, what holidays have been canceled and how you can honor the memory of the King of Thailand. The publication is constantly updated
The King of Thailand has died
King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand died on October 13, 2016, at the age of 88. For the past few years he has been under constant medical supervision. A few days ago his condition worsened significantly. After hemodialysis, the king required special medications to normalize his sharply dropped blood pressure, as well as his connection to a ventilator. King Adulyadej's condition was characterized as unstable.
In recent days, thousands of people across Thailand. In support of His Majesty, a popular flash mob was organized on social networks in Thailand - people changed their profile photos on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the popular local messenger Line with words of love and devotion to their monarch. The news of his death was greeted by his subjects, who had gathered outside the walls of the hospital, with shouts and tears.
Thailand declares national mourning following the death of the King
In connection with the death of the King, national mourning has been declared in Thailand for one year, flags will be lowered for a month, and some festivals and holidays will be cancelled. Mourning has also been declared in Pattaya
All government employees in Thailand are required to wear black to work for a whole year. All other people, including foreign tourists, are allowed to wear any color. However, the country's authorities ask for respect for national grief and for the use of more modest and muted tones, especially in the first 30 days after the departure of the monarch (until mid-November 2016) and during visits to the Thai capital Bangkok.
It is not necessary to bring black clothes with you on vacation to Thailand, and in particular to Pattaya during mourning. You can buy black T-shirts at any clothing market; shopping centers also offer mourning collections of brand brands.
In the very first days of mourning, urgent production of black T-shirts was launched in Pattaya. The workshop for applying prints to T-shirts quickly switched to a mourning palette, and urgently began producing black T-shirts.
According to the regulations of the Government of Thailand, prices for simple black T-shirts should not exceed 300 baht, on average from 100 to 250 baht, depending on the size range. In some retail outlets in Bangkok and Pattaya, overpriced prices for so-called mourning clothes were discovered, this is a clear violation, the punishment for which is 140 thousand baht (convert to rubles - currency converter) or even imprisonment for a term of 7 or more years.
Let us remind you once again that only Thai civil servants must observe a strict mourning dress code throughout the year while performing their official duties. Local residents will wear black clothing at will for a month from the date of the King's death, that is, until approximately mid-November 2016. This instruction does not apply to tourists, even during mourning in Pattaya, but it would still be correct to observe the limits of decency and try to avoid excessively bright clothes in provocative colors in your outfits.
You can express your respect and condolences to the Thai people in connection with the passing of their beloved Ruler in the simplest way - attach small black ribbons to your clothes as a sign of mourning. Such ribbons will be distributed free of charge to all tourists at Bangkok airports during the entire period of mourning in the country.
In Pattaya, mourning ribbons are distributed to government employees at enterprises and organizations in the city; they can also be purchased at clothing markets and stores, usually in the same place where they sell black clothes. Many Thais give out such ribbons completely free of charge at their outlets where they sell souvenirs or cosmetics for tourists.
Mourning in Pattaya - where you can relax
Mourning in Pattaya does not mean that the whole city is plunged into sadness, and there is no entertainment in the city and surrounding areas. First of all, beaches are accessible
It is worth noting that life proceeds as usual, and many establishments, after a 3-day closure immediately after the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, have reopened their doors and are happy to welcome guests - this applies to restaurants (see), shops, shopping and entertainment centers.
Naturally, on the beaches in Pattaya no one will force you to wear mourning clothes, there is no ban on swimsuits - you can rightfully enjoy the gentle sea and sun that Thailand so generously gives you. All islands and beaches are open, hotels are accepting tourists as usual.
There is only one thing related to the fact that mourning has been declared in the country - beach parties with drinking and loud music have been temporarily cancelled. This affected, for example, the famous Full Moon Party in Phuket - those who came to Thailand for such entertainment are already leaving the Kingdom.
Excursions during mourning in Pattaya
Mourning in Pattaya did not cancel tourist excursions in all directions. All attractions are operating as normal, all programs and tours are running as usual
You will definitely be satisfied, and you will definitely want to take an excursion tour with the Seven Countries company more than once.
Mourning in Pattaya - Walking Street and everyday life
Life during mourning in Pattaya proceeds as usual, minor restrictions apply on the famous nightlife street Walking Street, discos are temporarily closed
Mourning in Pattaya had no effect on everyday life. Many shops such as Villa Market, Makro, Big C, Tesco Lotus and Gourmet Market are open. Most private shops also continue to serve customers.
All banks are open, ATMs are also operating as usual. All public hospitals and most private medical clinics remain open. The Stock Exchange of Thailand is open and trading takes place as usual.
Immigration offices throughout Thailand accept foreigners during business hours and there are no restrictions on entry or exit from the country.
During the mourning period in Pattaya, the vibrant nightlife on Walking Street, popular among tourists, was banned. In the first days after the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, all bars and nightclubs were closed. A week later, almost all establishments returned to their previous working order, but until now, and probably for 30 days (until approximately mid-November 2016), music in pubs and discos will be muted, at least in open sources on the street.
The level of entertainment inside establishments on Walking Street during mourning in Pattaya remains at the discretion of the owners - given that Pattaya is a resort city and mainly “earns” from tourists, no serious complaints will be made against them.
What holidays were canceled during mourning in Pattaya
Several provinces in Thailand have canceled or indefinitely postponed a number of tourism events and festivals due to the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Mourning in Pattaya also affected the order of city holidays and festivals. Due to the sad event, some of the main city events, some sports competitions, as well as festivals of national importance were canceled.
Thus, it is known that the international fireworks festival scheduled for November 2016 has been cancelled. Canceled in the first days of mourning, the Loy Krathong festival of lights was still celebrated with the traditional launch of boats into the sea and glowing lanterns into the sky, but without the large-scale entertainment and beauty contests usually held as part of this festival.
Most likely, there will be no large-scale celebrations and concerts during the New Year 2017; usually this holiday begins to be celebrated a few days before the main midnight, setting up a large stage and a New Year tree on the Bali Hai pier, which at this time turns into one of the main city squares with massive folk celebrations and clock countdowns.
It is also still unknown how the birthday of the former King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej will take place on December 5 (the King of Thailand was born on December 5, 1927), and whether the national Father’s Day, celebrated in Thailand on the King’s birthday, will be moved to July 28, the day when The heir to the throne, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, was born in 1952.
For one month from the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand on October 13, 2016, daily Buddhist rituals will be held in all temples in the country in memory of the departed monarch.
Mourning in Pattaya - a book of memory
Residents of Pattaya, including foreign tourists, can leave an entry in the book of memory of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand at the city hall
On the second floor of the city hall building, a reception is organized for citizens, including foreign tourists - expats and people on short-term vacations who want to express their grief for the departed King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died on October 13, 2016.
In a specially designated place, a book of memory is open, in which everyone can leave their own note with words of respect and gratitude to the deceased monarch, the great Ruler of the country.
The event is open to everyone, every day, except weekends and holidays from 08.30 to 16.30. Visitors are advised to wear modest clothing in dark colors. Short skirts, shorts, and sleeveless T-shirts are not acceptable.
The same places with the opportunity to write condolences to the Thai people, as well as express your love and respect for the late monarch in the book of memory of the King of Thailand, have been designed in many shopping centers in Pattaya, such as the Big C chain of stores, the Central Festival shopping complex, the Royal Garden Plaza, and the new shopping mall. -Harbor Mall entertainment complex and others.
Mourning in Pattaya - free food and transport
In Pattaya, a free food distribution was organized on the Central Embankment. The charity event is held as part of the mourning days in the country in connection with the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand
The menu includes traditional rice with chicken and noodles. Anyone can get a plate of food on Central Beach in Pattaya, including foreign tourists.
Some transport companies and motorcycle taxi drivers have organized free transportation of passengers during the days of mourning in Pattaya. In the city, a collection of clothes is organized among the population, they are repainted black and distributed to the poor, to those families who also want to express grief for their Monarch, but cannot afford to buy new things.
Mourning in Pattaya - free tattoos
A tattoo parlor in Pattaya announced that for 3 days they will give tattoos with the symbols of the departed King of Thailand to everyone for free
Skin Art Tattoo is the name of this salon, and it is located near the popular Alcazar Cabaret Show on Second Street. The five tattoo artists working there give tattoos to everyone absolutely free of charge.
One of the co-owners of the salon said that in this symbolic way, they and their colleagues decided to honor the memory of the late King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died on October 13, 2016. So that all tattoo lovers, and there are many of them in Thailand, can imprint the royal symbols on their bodies forever, thereby demonstrating their love and respect for the late monarch.
Tattoo artists emphasize that only images associated with the King are tattooed for free - inscriptions, symbols or coats of arms. They can make about 50 tattoos a day, so those who want to get the coveted design on their skin should queue up in advance.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand 12/5/1927 — 10/13/2016
King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand was the longest reigning monarch in the world. He ascended the throne in 1946 (for example, the British Queen Elizabeth II has ruled the country for six years less - since 1952). Over more than 70 years of his reign, more than 20 prime ministers were replaced, 18 Constitutions were adopted, and 19 coups d'etat took place.
For his people, the King of Thailand was a true spiritual leader and mentor. His death was perceived by his subjects as a personal grief; in the Throne Hall of the Grand Royal Palace in Bangkok there is a never-ending line of people wishing to say goodbye to their Monarch. People come from the most distant provinces of Thailand to say their last Thank You to their beloved King.
World leaders and rulers of other countries also express their condolences to the Thai people and the Royal Family of Thailand, who have suffered a great loss and are now going through a truly sad time due to the passing of the Father of the Nation.
Putin expressed condolences to the people of Thailand on the death of the monarch
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to the government and people of Thailand, as well as the royal family on the death of the monarch, the Kremlin press service reports.
“Over the decades of his reign, he gained the sincere love of his subjects and high prestige abroad. In Russia he will be remembered as a principled supporter of the development of relations of friendship and cooperation between our countries,” the press service quotes the text of condolences.
Colorful everyday life, even more colorful holidays and carnival-like processions... funerals - all this is about Thailand. In an exotic state, people are seen off on their last journey according to Buddhist traditions and with the calmness characteristic of Buddhists. But the procession itself is so replete with flowers, cheerful (even despite the mourning) faces of the Thais, and sometimes even fireworks that it can easily be confused with a holiday.
According to Thai customs, after death the deceased remains at home for 7 days.
It all starts with preparation
Every day several monks come to the house to perform funeral services and read prayers. At the same time, relatives and friends arrive, wanting to say goodbye, and neighbors converge. Those who arrive light incense and place it at the head of the coffin as an offering to the deceased.
The rectangular coffin is densely decorated with flowers, garlands are made, and a photograph of the deceased is placed next to it. While the guests say goodbye, the table is set in the courtyard so that at any time you can have a snack and drink local rice vodka. If a wealthy Thai is being buried, waiters are hired to hand out drinks and light snacks during the funeral.
The funeral itself takes place on the 8th day
The procession is led by monks dressed in saffron, who read prayers.
The coffin is being carried behind. Recently, coffins have begun to be transported by car, and if the deceased was a wealthy person, a special platform is built for him.
It is decorated with flowers, LED strips, drapery, and the procession itself is accompanied by an orchestra.
In Thailand, only cremation is considered acceptable.
Crematoria are located at monasteries, but sometimes Thais burn the deceased right in the open air along with a decorated platform.
The ashes, if desired, can be buried in a columbarium, a monastery wall, or in the ground, marking the place with an unusual, filigree-made monument, which itself resembles a temple in appearance.
According to tradition, 100 days after the funeral, the relatives of the deceased visit the temple. They bring the monks money in an envelope and small household gifts - clothes, soap, fruit.
A characteristic feature of funerals in Thailand is a calm, even casual attitude towards the death of all participants in the procession.
Death here is just a transition to another state: such a philosophy is instilled from childhood in everyone who is brought up in the traditions of Buddhism. Only close relatives can cry, and you rarely see this. Basically, everyone is very calm, they talk a lot, even laugh, and some even take pictures in front of the coffin.
Residents of Thailand are so non-superstitious in terms of death that they even lie in a coffin without fear, while still in good health
Funeral of failure
One monastery has a tradition, popular among Thais and attracting tourists from all over the world, of burying failures.
Everyone who wants to part with their old life is invited to this temple. Here elegant and quite comfortable coffins await them. Participants in the ritual lay down in these coffins, and a monk walks around them.
He reads special prayers that put all participants in the ceremony into a trance. Then the monk wakes up the sleeping people, but it is believed that a new person has already woken up, and all his failures have been successfully buried.
By the way, Buddhist funerals are sometimes held in Russia. This is not surprising: our country is multinational and contains hundreds and thousands of a wide variety of customs and traditions.
In connection with the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, mourning has been declared in the Kingdom, which will last 1 year. A restriction on the operation of all entertainment and entertainment events is imposed for 30 days. Now in Thailand there are millions of people on the streets, in all cities of the country you can see processions, prayer services and other mourning events.
Many tourists who bought tickets for October-December are concerned and ask the question: Is it worth flying to Thailand now? What will happen to tourism after the death of the King? In fact, Thais also ask themselves such questions - they are a little frightened by the unknown, because... Thai society is unstable and the military coup is happening as scheduled. The king has ruled since 1946 and has always “smoothed out the corners” that arose due to the political differences of the ruling elite. Now the King is gone...
Thai media talk about mourning events, but emphasize that transport, airports, shops, hotels and other establishments will operate as usual or at the discretion of business owners. The sale of alcohol during significant mourning events will be prohibited.
The Ministry of Tourism recommends that tourists (like all Thais) wear discreet clothing, preferably in dark colors. You definitely shouldn’t show up drunk, have drunken parties or engage in other brawls. Treat the Thai people with respect, especially now that they have lost a man who was more than a King to them.
Among the tourist places, at least the Grand Royal Palace will be closed, because... mourning events will take place there. Several more important Buddhist monasteries in Bangkok may be closed for TOUR SERVICE.
Mourning in Pattaya
In Pattaya, due to mourning events, several annual holidays and festivals popular among tourists are canceled:
- celebration of the Loy Krathong festival
- annual fireworks festival
- New Year celebration
- the dates of the Naklua food festival have been moved
At the same time, bars were open on the streets of Pattaya today (10/14/2016), but no music was heard, alcohol was served in tea cups... Today on the streets of Pattaya there were mobile laboratories that caught drunk drivers.
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"TASS/Reuters"
BANGKOK, October 11. /TASS/. The Thai government has extended by two days the period of national mourning declared in the country after the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) last year. The mourning will end on October 30, the Thai government press service said on Wednesday.
Mourning in the kingdom was declared on October 13, 2016 for a period of one year on the day of the death of the monarch. Previously, the authorities had already extended the period of mourning until October 26 inclusive - on this day the cremation of the late monarch will take place in Bangkok. Now the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to extend the mourning, since the last events related to the funeral procession of Rama IX will end on October 29.
“National flags on government buildings and in Thai embassies must be flown at half-mast until the end of the mourning events,” the government press service explained. It was also noted here that all mourning signs and ribbons that currently decorate the buildings of government institutions must be removed by the evening of October 29. National mourning regulations require all government employees in Thailand to wear black or white. According to the government’s explanation, they will be able to return to normal clothing from October 30.
Five days goodbye
Rama IX passed away on October 13, 2016 after a long illness in a Bangkok hospital at the age of 88. Funeral ceremonies will last from October 25 to October 29. According to the Thai government's public relations department, the first day will be marked by a Buddhist ceremony with the participation of monks and members of the royal family.
On October 26 at 07:00 local time (03:00 Moscow time), the body of the monarch on a special chariot will be delivered from the throne room to Sanam Luang Square, where at 17:30 the only son of the deceased - King Rama X - will first hold a symbolic cremation ceremony, and then at 22:00 and the real one. All this time, hundreds of thousands of subjects will be around the palace and square. It is expected that many of them will arrive here the day before and are unlikely to leave the historical center of Bangkok until the morning, regardless of hot or rainy weather.
The next day, the remains (bones) of Rama IX will be taken to the throne room of Dusit Maha Prasat in the Grand Royal Palace, and his ashes will be taken to Wat Phra Kaew, better known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The fourth day of farewell is reserved for a religious ceremony, which will be performed by members of the royal family and Buddhist monks.
On October 29, the remains of Bhumibol Adulyadej will be transported to the throne room of Chakri Maha Prasat, which is also located on the territory of the palace complex. The ashes of the late monarch will be divided and sent for safekeeping to two ancient Buddhist temples: Wat Ratchabophit and Wat Bowonniwet.
The “long” November weekend is ahead, and many Russians intend to go to warmer climes in search of sun and sea. One of the most consistently popular destinations is Thailand. However, due to the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, highly revered by the Thais, the “kingdom of smiles” plunged into mourning, official and unofficial at the same time. Lenta.ru found out how this event will affect the tourism industry in Thailand and what Russian tourists should prepare for.
First of all, you should keep in mind: you won't need black dresses and mourning bands for going to the beach. However, if you plan to visit public places and government institutions, it is still better to put clothes in subdued colors and a decent length in your suitcase.
In all other respects, the authorities do not intend to introduce special or even more stringent restrictions on tourists. In addition to the generally accepted rules of behavior that are traditional for any well-mannered person in everyday life, during the period of mourning in Thailand you should adhere to a number of other tips. Thus, the Russian Embassy in Thailand recommends that compatriots respect the feelings of the Thai people, not wear beach or provocative clothing in public places, including resort towns, and refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages on the streets. Russians are also asked to treat with understanding all cases of restrictions imposed by local authorities on visiting or temporary closure of entertainment and leisure facilities.
According to Thai authorities, national mourning will be divided into two periods. The first will last until November 13, and on these days bars and restaurants serving alcohol can be open, with some restrictions: such establishments may simply close earlier or not sell alcohol for some time.
Photo: Alain Evrard / Impact Photos / Globallookpress.com
In addition, as follows from a statement by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the country's government has asked entertainment centers to refrain from holding any noisy performances. However, most traditional, religious and cultural events, including MICE events and weddings, as noted in the message, will continue as usual, although they may be modified or canceled in accordance with tribute to the late king.
The second period of mourning will last for the rest of the year, but this will only affect civil servants: for example, they will be required to come to the workplace in dark-colored clothing.
The fact that mourning in Thailand is truly nationwide and not at all ostentatious is evidenced by the fact that in Bangkok in mid-October, the red light district, known for its go-go clubs and other “excesses,” even ceased operation. And these sex establishments have never been closed in recent years, despite military coups and political unrest.
TAT strongly emphasizes that mourning will in no way affect the work of the tourism sector. “Thailand remains open for tourism,” said the head of the Office, Chris Lee, in this regard. “We will just show our feelings.” This statement by a senior official was a reaction to a number of media reports that, in his opinion, misinterpret the situation or misinform. “Despite these reports, tourists should not wear black on the beach. We just ask people to be respectful. For example, do not wear “outrageous clothes” in public places,” Mr. Lee explained.
Russian tour operators also say that not everything is so harsh for foreign guests in Thailand. “Thailand is very dependent on the flow of foreign visitors, since tourism is one of the important components of the country's income. In connection with mourning, yes, there may be slight changes in the format of work of local establishments, but the Thais will still try in every possible way to please tourists,” says Alena Khitrova, senior specialist in the public relations department of the tour operator Anex Tour.
Photo: Jack Kurtz / ZUMA Press / Globallookpress.com
Kira Ananasova, head of the Asia and UAE department of tour operator BSI group, believes that most bars, restaurants and fairs in Thailand will remain open, although the owners of such establishments may refrain for some time from entertainment programs and the sale of alcohol. “Alcohol will be sold in stores as usual. There may be fewer entertainment events, but in general, tourists still have the opportunity to enjoy a full beach holiday in this country and visit excursion programs at Thai resorts,” she notes.
“No restrictions were introduced by government agencies that could affect the functioning of the tourism industry and the presence of foreign citizens in Thailand. Infrastructure and tourist facilities, in particular airports, shopping centers, cinemas, museums, with the exception of temples and facilities associated with mourning ceremonies (Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Royal Palace), are open and operating as normal,” Lente.ru said. Larisa Akhanova, PR director of Tez Tour.
Photo: Josef Beck / Globallookpress.com
According to Akhanova, restrictions on the operating hours of entertainment establishments, if they affect them, will only affect independent travelers. Those who chose Bangkok as their place of residence. “The vast majority of our clients in Thailand are families with children or couples. The main purpose of their trips is beach holidays, seaside holidays, learning about the nature, history and gastronomy of Thailand. Nightlife is not a priority for this category of tourists, and they will not change their plans due to changes in the operating hours of night entertainment establishments,” Akhanova added, noting that the number of bookings remains stable and tourists do not refuse trips.
A number of events and festivals have been canceled in Thailand until November 13. For example, such a fate befell the famous Full Moon beach party, scheduled for October 17th. For those who are planning a trip to Thailand in the next month, timed to coincide with some local event or holiday, it is better to check the fact of its occurrence in advance on the TAT website, tour operators advise.
