Following the peaceful passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother on Friday, 24 October 2025, at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, at the age of 93, the Thai government has issued official clarifications and guidelines regarding national mourning and the conduct of public and private activities during this period.
No Ban on Private Sector Events
Ms. Traisuree Taisaranakul, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, publicly clarified and dismissed reports suggesting that a special Cabinet meeting held on 25 October 2025 had decided to prohibit entertainment activities for 30 days.
Instead, the Prime Minister, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, requested the cooperation of the public and private sectors to adjust the format and tone of their planned activities to align with the atmosphere of national mourning.
The government acknowledged that many sectors—including entertainment, tourism, and services—have pre-scheduled events and emphasized that the intent is not to impose restrictions but to encourage discretion and respect befitting Her Majesty’s honour and benevolence.
“The government’s intention is not to curtail economic or social activities,” Ms. Traisuree said. “Rather, it calls for a demonstration of unity and collective mourning, reflecting the love, respect, and gratitude of the Thai people toward Her Majesty The Queen Mother.”
She also urged the public to rely solely on official government announcements and avoid misinformation, reiterating that the Prime Minister’s true intention is for all Thais to express heartfelt mourning with sincerity and reverence.
Official State Mourning Protocols
The special Cabinet meeting was convened to acknowledge the announcement from the Bureau of the Royal Household and to formalize state mourning procedures.
Mourning Period for Government Officials: Civil servants, employees of state enterprises, and other government officials are to observe a one-year mourning period.
Flag Protocol: Government agencies, state enterprises, and educational institutions are instructed to fly the national flag at half-mast for 30 days, beginning 25 October 2025.
Separately, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua graciously commanded that members of the Royal Family and court officials observe a one-year mourning period from the date of Her Majesty’s passing.
Royal Funeral Arrangements
His Majesty the King has graciously instructed the Bureau of the Royal Household to organize the royal funeral with the highest honours, in accordance with royal traditions.
The royal remains will be enshrined at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, Bangkok.
The Cabinet also resolved to arrange the royal bathing ceremony and other royal rites with utmost dignity. Members of the public will be permitted to offer ceremonial water for the bathing of the royal body on 26 October.
The government calls upon all Thai citizens to join together in prayer and remembrance, expressing their deep condolences and gratitude to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother for her lifelong dedication and boundless compassion toward the Thai people.
