Thailand has entered a period of national mourning after Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, died on Oct. 24, 2025 at the age of 93.
But despite the mourning period, Thai officials have said the country still remains open to visitors.
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Her death marks an important moment for the country, but if you’re planning to visit Thailand soon, here’s what you need to know.
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Landscape of two pagoda in Doi Inthanon Mountain at sunset in Chaingmai, ThailandShutterstock
What travelers need to know about Thailand’s mourning period
Sometimes referred to as the Mother of the Nation, Queen Sirikit was known for her decades-long efforts to promote Thai culture, traditional crafts and rural development.
She was also a champion for environmental protection, and has sometimes been dubbed the “Green Queen,” for her efforts to set up wildlife breeding centers, open zoos and hatcheries to save endangered sea turtles, CNN reported.
Her death marks the beginning of a national mourning period in Thailand, and national flags will be flown at half-mast for 30 days, while government officials and civil servants will wear black mourning attire for one year.
“When I learned the news, my world stopped and I had flashes from the past of all the things that Her Majesty has done for us,” 67-year-old Bangkok resident Maneenat Laowalert told Reuters.
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According to Euro News, there is no official regulation on the public’s attire, but the public is encouraged to wear black, white or subdued colors for 90 days after her death.
The attire may be most prevalent in Bangkok and at major cultural or royal sites, where portraits of Queen Sirikit are displayed with flowers and candles.
As for tourists, Thailand officials have said they are not expected to wear black throughout their trip, but encourage subdued colors to reflect the national mood. And those who wish to show their respect are encouraged to wear black ribbons pinned to their shirts and blouses.
Otherwise, life and tourism will likely continue as normal.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, hotels, attractions, restaurants, and transport services are still operating as usual, and most festivals, concerts, and public events will still take place.
Fireworks and parades for upcoming events such as New Year’s Eve may be scaled back, and may include moments of silence or candle-lighting ceremonies.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok will also be closed to visitors from Oct. 26 to Nov. 8 to accommodate royal ceremonies, and other closures may occur later in the mourning period especially closer to Queen Sirikit’s funeral next year.
Visiting Thailand during their morning period
If you’re planning on visiting Thailand during the national mourning period, here are some general etiquette rules to follow:
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Wear black, white or other subdued colors to match the national mood and avoid revealing or flashy clothing when visiting temples, royal palaces or government buildings. If you don’t have dark clothing, Thai officials encourage wearing a black ribbon to show respect.
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To show respect for the country’s mourning period, avoid being loud or boisterous in public spaces and show respect when passing memorials or portraits of the late Queen.
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There are bound to be closures or altered schedules for tourism sites and festivals in Thailand, so check with the sites ahead of time to see if they will still be open. Also, keep track of changes for festivals and events that may be cancelled or scaled-back for the mourning period.
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This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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