One month entertainment ban

[George Pill]

Thailand shuts down

It has been announced there will be a public display of respect and mourning in Thailand for thirty-days.

There will be no entertainment programs on radio or television. No music, no comedy and no soap series. Every Thai channel will broadcast royal daily news continuously.

All entertainment events have been cancelled for thirty-days. There will be no concerts, live music, stage shows or competitions.

Many nightclubs and go go bars have already closed down and will remain closed as a mark of respect.

Some bars have been told to close for three-days, others have been shut down for seven days.

More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Report shared by BangkokJack News Team
++++++++

The King was 89 years old. Pray for a smooth transition to the new King with a peaceful reign. Let's all behave ourselves.

[Rockheart]

Just my luck, this runs almost the entire length of my trip.

Hopefully the Volleyball event will not be cancelled, this would really suck.

Very sad on the passing.

[George Pill]

I was thinking about that. Will see if the bars will stay closed for only 3-7 days. Wonder if the Miss Ladyboy contest is also cancelled.

[George Pill]

Confusing news contradicting themselves today 10-13-2016 on Pattayaone.net:

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Thais will remember October 13 with love like how they remember October 23 of every year.

In his TV statement following His Majesty the King€™s death, Prayut said October 13 this year saw an incident that Thais did not even want to think about or want to hear.

€œIt was incomparable loss and great sorry of the lifetime of all Thais since the death of King Rama VIII on 9 June 1946,€ Prayut said.

October 23 is the national holiday for Thais to remember the beloved King Chulalongkorns€™ death.

Prayut also confirmed that an heir to King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been designated since 1972 and that the government would inform parliament of the choice.

Prayuth did not identify the heir but it is widely expected to be Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

€œThe government will inform the National Legislative Assembly that His Majesty the King has already designated his heir,€ Prayuth said in a televised address.

The assembly is due to hold a special session later on Thursday.

Prayuth urged Thais to love one another and protect €œthe father€™s land.€
++++++++++++ Thai Junta does not invite Crown Prince to succeed throne.

By Albert Jack -
October 13, 2016
2
1305
Crown Prince of Thailand. Are his links to the Shinawatra's going to be a problem..?

€˜Thai National Assembly ends extraordinary meeting without inviting successor to late King Bhumibol to ascend throne.€™ (Reuters News Agency)

And here begins the problems. Because at the center of concerns, among Thailand€™s elite and military rulers, about Vajiralongkorn€™s ascension to power is not just his erratic track record.

It could be fears of his personal relationship with ousted, former prime minister and business tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, and his sister Yingluck who was herself also ousted by the military in 2014.

Thaksin even presented the crown prince with a luxury car when he was first elected in 2001.

The fear is that Vajiralongkorn may find a support base among the populist politician€™s voters are these concerns are believed to have contributed to the coups that removed the Sinawatras and their Red Shirt support in the first place.

This may well turn out to be a big problem.

Report by HanoiJack News Team

[George Pill]

It's the comments that make me laugh.

http://pattayaone.news/en/entertainment-thailand-suspended-30-days/

[Rockheart]

I can't see it lasting the full 30 days, that doesn't seem good with high season coming up.
Cancelling big events like Miss International Queen seems pretty extreme.
Plus it is not very nice to tourists.
Perhaps all official events being cancelled makes sense but just stopping the economy for 30 days is pretty long for a business.

[rxpharm]

In 2008, the King's mother passed away, and the official mourning period was 100 days, with entertainment businesses requested to refrain from opening for 15 days. What in fact happened was bars and night clubs were closed for something like 3-7 days, but did not serve alcohol, or play music for the remainder of the 15 days. I would suspect that something similar happens this time - but probably the no music or alcohol will go on for the remainder of the 30 days. As for events like MIQ2016 - will have to monitor the homepage to see if it rescheduled.

[girish]

what about the poor tourists who have spent a lot of money to have a ball. god bless them

[George Pill]

From Pattayone.net:

What to do and what not to do during the Thai national mourning period

€“ Do wear black or wear white.

€“ Refrain from celebrations and festive activities.

€“ Postpone entertainment activities.

€“ Foreigners are advised to maintain a low profile and act respectfully.

€“ Behave with a sombre demeanour when in public.

€“ Avoid overt celebrations in public.

€“ Avoid wearing bright colours. Neutral colours are the most appropriate.

€“ Do not wear revealing or bright-coloured clothing.

€“ Follow directives issued by the authorities.

€“ Reconfirm business appointments in case of possible cancellations.

List shared by The Nation
+++++++++ What visitors to Thailand need to know after King Bhumibol€™s death

By Albert Jack -
October 14, 2016
0
1315Though the nation is now observing a 30-day period of mourning, the government is encouraging the public to carry on as usual.

As Thailand mourns the loss of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned for more than 70 years, visitors to the country may be wondering what impact the situation will have on their journeys and how they can show their respect.

Though the nation is now observing a 30-day period of mourning, the government is encouraging the public to carry on as usual. This means business operations will not be greatly affected.

All airports and public transportation are operating as normal in Bangkok, though some roads have been closed in preparation for the Friday afternoon procession when the King€™s body will leave Bangkok€™s Siriraj Hospital for the Grand Palace, where his funeral rites will be carried out.

€œShopping malls, restaurants and tourist attractions are expected to remain open as normal,€ Richard Barrow, a well-known blogger who has been keeping locals and tourists up-to-date on the situation via Twitter, told CNN.

€œHowever, a number of events have been canceled during the 30-day mourning period,€ he said.

Full Moon party canceled

This includes the Full Moon Party, a monthly all-night beach party on Koh Pha Ngan island that€™s a huge draw for international tourists.

€œEntertainment venues have also been asked to be respectful and not play loud music. At the moment we do not know if they will be forced to close and if so, for how long,€ Barrow said.

Many restaurants and bar owners CNN spoke with in Bangkok said they will remain open, but said they€™ve canceled all events scheduled for the near future.

According to local media, red light districts such as Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza announced they will remain closed for an undetermined time.

As far as accommodations go, none of the hotels that CNN contacted would go on the record about how they are advising staff to handle the situation.

Hotels to open as usual

They said all hotel facilities were open as normal in line with the government€™s request for normalcy.

Beach resorts were also operating as usual in Thailand€™s popular tourist destinations on Friday.

€œHotel staff told me tourists are free to enjoy the beaches as usual and nobody is being asked to refrain from wearing swimwear, but there will be no parties on the beach,€ says travel writer Tina Hsiao, who is staying at a resort in Koh Samui.

According to a palace statement, all civil servants have been ordered to wear black clothing for a year as a sign of mourning, while the public has been urged to wear the symbolic color for 30 days.

How to show respect

Tourists are not expected to follow suit, but €œThais would appreciate it if they wore muted colors during the first 30 days,€ says Barrow.

€œTourists should also act in a respectful manner, in particular if they are around Thai people.

Thais have a deep love and respect for King Bhumibol and his death has hit many of them hard,€ he said.

A number of governments have issued statements to their citizens not just telling them to be aware of any possible security implications following the King€™s death but to remain respectful as the nation grieves.

€œYou should respect the feelings and sensitivities of the Thai people at this time,€ says the latest Thailand travel advice from the UK Government.

Australia, China issue advice for tourists

€œAccess to entertainment, including restaurants, bars, and shopping areas may be restricted and you should behave respectfully when in public areas; if possible, wear sombre and respectful clothing when in public; check local media regularly and follow the advice of the local authorities.€

The Embassy of China issued a statement saying that the King enjoys high prestige and is loved by the Thai people, who are saddened by his death.

It asked Chinese citizens in Thailand €œto comply with the relevant provisions of the Thai side during funeral rituals and customs, and consciously safeguard the friendship between the two peoples.€

China is the largest source of visitors to Thailand, with almost 3.5 million Chinese nationals visiting between January and April of 2016. The Australian government also issued an advisory to its citizens, urging them to €œact responsibly and to respect the feelings of Thais at this difficult time.€

Report shared by CNN
Dollar/Baht is now 35.31. Peaked at 35.71 two days ago.

+++++++

Thankfully Suvarnbhumi Airport, the banks, taxis, hotels, mail system, Internet, and the money changers are still open. Read Pattayaone.net for the latest info. I'll keep you all posted once I land. I have made preparations just in case the airports get shut down for maybe three months, and you can't join me. Am worried if the new king is delayed installment. New coup? Riotings? I'll be there with my cameras. Video cam and DSLR. Watch out for a guy with a neon pink khaki fishing vest, black and white striped shorts, and a Aussie bush hat.

[Rockheart]

It is business as usual from what i have read. I can't image the bars would be closed for more than a week. It's not like people at Nana or Soi Cowboy are bothering anyone.
Even though they would like it to be law, it is all guidelines and they certainly can't expect those that have invested heavily in events to just cancel them.
Tourists can't be expected to come there and just hide out when not touring ruins. People should still be able to celebrate life.

What I get out of all this is be respectful, which is always the case.
It says "follow instructions of Officials"; Why wouldn't you?

I wouldn't worry about any problems, there can't really be another coup when the last one is still in progress.
People really can't riot and even if they could, they will have respect and wait for a while.
Terrorists are unlikely to attack since they would anger every single Thai probably more than they would like.

Pattaya one sounds a little more negative than other news I have read.

[BAM]

That Pattaya One has some funny stuff http://pattayaone.news/en/drunk-teen...live-sex-show/

[Rockheart]

Don't worry Papa, me still virgin, I go to Pattaya now...
I would say they are more of a Tabloid, than a news site. Funny stuff though!

[rxpharm]

Some reports that Pattaya Bars will be open as usual except for music on Monday, but it seems variable, possibly depending on the police in charge of that area. I would recommend that people keep a low profile while visiting during the next couple of months - it wouldn't be a good idea to get publicly drunk, argue/fight with a Thai (even if they started it), and be sensitive to what is going on around you.

[Rockheart]

Some reports that Pattaya Bars will be open as usual except for music on Monday, but it seems variable, possibly depending on the police in charge of that area. I would recommend that people keep a low profile while visiting during the next couple of months - it wouldn't be a good idea to get publicly drunk, argue/fight with a Thai (even if they started it), and be sensitive to what is going on around you.

I think that is always good advice.

Would think things will be returning more to regular business come November.
There may be a 30 day mourning period but that is an awful long time to actually mourn.

[Rockheart]

Here is some information on cancelled events and such from TAT:

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to ask that members of the public stay updated via media announcements and notices from the Bureau of the Royal Household as well as the Royal Thai Government to ensure accurate information. We also request that the solemnity of these rites are observed and the visitors €“ local and international €“ wear respectful attire.



In the period of national mourning, some festivals and activities in the kingdom have been cancelled or postponed. Other events will go ahead as planned but may be toned down as a mark of respect. Please see the list of events that are postponed or cancelled in the following page.

The TAT would like to recommend that any visitors with travel or tourism plans reconfirm with agents and check local media regularly as well as follow the advice of the local authorities for announcements and updates. They should also be aware that in some areas transportation could be affected. We also ask tourists and visitors for their understanding and patience should they experience delays or some routes may be closed to traffic.



Status of tourist attractions

The Grand Palace and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha	Closed 14-20 October 2016
Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha)	Open as usual
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)	Open as usual
National Museum Bangkok Queen€™s Gallery	Open as usual (09.00-16.00 Hrs.) Closed 14-16 October 2016
Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium	Closed until further notice
Lumpini Boxing Stadium Ramindra Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum	Closed for one month from October 2016 Closed 14-16 October 2016
The Alcazar Cabaret, Pattaya	Open as usual (daily show times at 17.00, 18.30, 20.00 and 21.30 Hrs., but the last show has been cancelled until end of October 2016
Tiffany€™s Show, Pattaya	Open as usual (daily show times at 18.00, 19.30 and 21.00 Hrs.)
Muay Thai Live at Asiatique The Riverfront	Closed, until 17 October 2016
Siam Niramit	Open as usual (17.00-20.00 Hrs.)
Phuket Simon Cabaret	Open as usual (18.00-22.30 Hrs.)
Calypso at Asiatique The Riverfront	Open as usual (no alcohol)
The Square Buddha Amulet Market, Bangkok	Closed until further notice
Chiang Mai Walking Street on Saturday and Sunday & Chiang Mai Night Bazaar	Open as usual (17.00 €“ 23.00 Hrs.)

Useful Links:

• The Bureau of the Royal Household http://brh.thaigov.net/brh-2011/index.php €“ in Thai
• The Royal Thai Government: http://www.thaigov.go.th/en/index.php €“ in English
• Department of the Government Public Relations Departmenthttp://thailand.prd.go.th/main.php?filename=index €“ In English
• TAT Contact Center: http://www.tatcontactcenter.com/index.php

Tourism Authority of Thailand
International Public Relations Division
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.tatnews.org

Status of events and cultural festivals
Events cancelled
Buffalo Racing Festival 2016, Chon Buri 9-15 October 2016
Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession 9-17 October 2016
Oasis: Supersonic €“ Thailand Premiere, Bangkok 17 October 2016
Morrissey Live in Bangkok 18 October 2016
Scorpions 50th Anniversary Tour 2016, BITEC, Bangkok 26 October 2016
2016 Lee Jongsuk Fan Meeting Variety in Bangkok, Thunder Dome, Bangkok 28 October 2016
BIGBANG Made [V.I.P] Tour in Bangkok, IMPACT Arena 29-30 October 2016
Ghost Fair at Mega Bangna, Bangkok 20-31 October 2016
Bangkok Symphony Orchestra 2016 €“ The Sound of Thai Heritage 21 October 2016
Yi Peng Chiang Mai 12-15 November 2016
Pattaya Loi Krathong Festival 14 November 2016
Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 25-26 November 2016
New Year Celebrations, Pattaya 31 December 2016 €“ 1 January 2017

*Many local and international concerts and performances have also been cancelled.

Events postponed indefinitely or to new dates
The End of the Buddhist Lent at Indo-China Market, Mukdahan 14-16 October 2016
Concert Moderndog at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani 15 October 2016
Concert ECTat Bitec Bangna, Bangkok 15 October 2016
Group Riding Bangkok 16 October 2016
FB Battery River Kwai Half Marathon at Kanchanaburi 16 October 2016
Chanthaburi Scenic Marathon 29-30 October 2016
Harmony World Puppet in Kanchanaburi 2016 (1-7 November 2016 (new dates 20-26 February 2017)
Krabi Adventurous Trophy 2016 4-5 November 2016
Bangkok Street Show 2016 at Lumpini Park 10-12 December 2016

Events going ahead but scaled back
Rap Bua Festival at Bangphli, Samut Prakan, 12-15 October 2016
Poi Lynn Sib Et Festival, Mae Hong Son, 14-16 October 2016

For further enquiries on Status of events, please contact our TAT domestic offices or TAT Call Centre: 1672