Thailand Enters a Year of Mourning After the Death of Its Queen Mother—Here’s What Travelers Should Know, According to an Expert

The country of Thailand has entered a nationwide year-long period of mourning out of respect for the recent passing of the country’s queen mother, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. 

The queen mother died last week at the age of 93 after years battling illnesses, Reuters reported. Following her passing, flags will be flown at half-mast for 30 days at government offices, state enterprises, and educational institutions, and government officials have been asked to wear mourning attire for a year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Tourism in Thailand was expected to continue as normal, but even members of the public were “encouraged to dress in black or subdued colours for 90 days as a gesture of remembrance and respect.” Similarly, visitors have been asked to “dress and behave respectfully,” especially when visiting a temple, royal site, or government site.

“During this period of national mourning, Thailand remains open and fully operational. All tourist attractions, transportation services, restaurants, shops, and events continue as usual,” the TAT said in a statement. “However, public activities, entertainment events, and business operations are encouraged to exercise discretion and to adjust their formats appropriately in reflection of the national atmosphere of mourning.”

Travelers will have to make some itinerary adjustments in the coming days. The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, for example, will remain closed through Nov. 8 during a royal ceremony of lying in state, according to the site. Candle lighting ceremonies have also been planned across the country.

Grant Ekelund, an expert with InsideAsia Tours and a Travel + Leisure A-List Travel Advisors member, told T+L there are still plenty of activities and historical sites to visit. He said Wat Pho, a notable temple in Bangkok, is still open to visitors.

“The major thing to know is that Thailand is open and still a wonderful place to visit at this time,” Ekelund said. “Anybody who is thinking about rescheduling or putting off a visit doesn’t have to worry about that.”

Ekelund echoed the need to dress respectfully.

“It is appreciated for folks to dress modestly and in muted colors when visiting temples or in central Bangkok close to any of the ceremonies,” he said.

Recognized as T+L’s Destination of the Year for 2025, Thailand has been home to several new flights, including from United Airlines, which recently began flying from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Bangkok with a stop in Hong Kong.