THAILAND – The government announced official national mourning measures after the death of Her Majesty Queen Mother Sirikit, detailing flag protocols, dress codes and guidance for public life and ceremonies.
Cabinet decision and official measures
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters the cabinet had approved a set of measures for state bodies following the Queen Mother’s death on Friday evening. Government agencies, state enterprises, public institutions and schools were ordered to fly the national flag at half-mast for 30 days, and civil servants were instructed to wear mourning attire for one year.
The royal household and court officials were to observe a one-year mourning period by directive of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The Queen Mother’s remains were placed in state at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.
Guidance for the public and businesses
The government issued non-binding recommendations for the wider population. Citizens were asked, where possible, to wear black or other subdued clothing for 90 days as an expression of gratitude for the Queen Mother’s more than 70 years of service to Thailand.
Entertainment venues and service businesses were asked to suspend or scale back activities for 30 days. Organisers of already scheduled events were advised to adapt formats to reflect the period of mourning rather than cancelling outright.
Media response and public displays
Many newspapers, broadcasters and websites adopted monochrome or greyscale designs and adjusted app interfaces to reflect the national mood. The changes by media and online platforms signalled widespread public sympathy and respect for the Queen Mother during the mourning period.
Clarifying reports about private events
Confusion had arisen after some reports incorrectly stated the cabinet had banned all entertainment for 30 days. Traisulee Traisaranakul, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, said that was inaccurate. “That is not correct,” she said, adding the government had asked only for respectful conduct at events, not blanket cancellations.
Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Periswiwatana reiterated that the private sector was merely asked to reconsider the tone and presentation of activities. “The aim was not to stop events, but to show shared respect,” she said, acknowledging the practical difficulties for businesses in tourism, entertainment and services with previously planned programmes.
Ceremonies and state arrangements
A royal mourning procession was scheduled for Sunday, beginning at 16:00 from Chulalongkorn Hospital and following a route of roughly ten kilometres along major roads to the Grand Palace. Earlier that day, from 08:00 to 12:00, members of the public could pay tribute by pouring ceremonial water at the Sala Sahathai Samakhom pavilion in front of the royal portrait.
The government said it would set up a royal funeral committee chaired by the prime minister and ordered agencies to assign officials to participate in daily prayer ceremonies for 100 consecutive days. Authorities also urged all Thai citizens to join the period of mourning and pray for the repose of the Queen Mother’s soul.
The measures mix mandatory directives for state institutions with appeals to citizens and the private sector to adopt a respectful tone, reflecting the government’s aim to coordinate national observance while accommodating pre-existing plans and economic activity.