Thailand’s 5-Day Funeral for Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej Tipped to Shut Down Tourist Attractions

This October, Thailand will bid final goodbye to its late king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away in the same month last year after a reign of more than 70 years. The kingdom nation planned an elaborate royal funeral service, described in international media reports as “an event of the century,” that will run from October 25 to 29 and is expected to disrupt most of the country’s tourist attractions and activities.

In a recent post, LovePattayaThailand.com said “many tourist attractions will be closed for the duration of the funeral, including the Grand Palace and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, both of which will be closed during the month of October.” It is expected that the usual tourism activities will be resumed on October 30, the report added.

The website likewise advised would-be visitors to check first on “whether attractions are opened before travelling to avoid disappointment.” For the most part, tourism sites and destinations will conduct business as usual but the majority will certainly close shop on the 26th.

Revered king

October 26 is the day the revered king will be cremated and in anticipation, the Thai government will deploy some 78,000 security officers to guard Bangkok’s Grand Palace, where the ceremonies will be held. Hundreds of thousands are expected to camp out near the venue days ahead the funeral service, the Strait Times of Singapore reported.

The Thai prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, has declared October “a sad period,” and called on to politicians and political parties to remain “peaceful and orderly,” during the nation’s mourning of the king.

And as if to showcase Thailand’s enduring love for the departed royalty, the national government has made preparations for the event months ahead. According to Japan Times, the bill for Bhumibol’s funeral ceremonies will cost the Thai treasury no less than $90 million.

The royal cremation and other related activities will mark the culmination of king’s reign, which the report characterized as “a magical era.”