Thailand has entered a year of mourning after its Queen Mother Sirikit peacefully passed away on October 24, 2025, at the age of 93. Her death marks a crucial moment in the history of Thailand, prompting various official and cultural observances across the country. If you are heading to this country anytime soon, here are some updated travel rules you must know as an Indian traveller.
Visiting Thailand? Here’s What You Should Know
Thailand Is Mourning The Death Of Her Majesty
The government of Thailand has declared a year of national mourning after the death of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
Queen Sirikit was a very dedicated and compassionate leader. She contributed to the nation’s cultural, social, and environmental development. Her Majesty was deeply committed to promoting traditional Thai crafts, rural welfare, silk weaving, and supporting all those initiatives that aimed at uplifting underprivileged communities.
The Queen also played a very important role in the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of the environment. This earned her the name “Green Queen” for all her efforts to protect endangered species and forests.
ประกาศสำนักพระราชวัง
สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ พระบรมราชชนนีพันปีหลวง
สวรรคต
ธ สถิตในดวงใจไทยนิรันดร์
๒๔ ตุลาคม ๒๕๖๘ pic.twitter.com/THRJVXjZp9— ไทยคู่ฟ้า (@thaigov1) October 25, 2025
Tourism in Thailand Remains Unaffected
The Thai government has declared an official period of mourning. The flags on government buildings and public spaces will be flown at half-mast for 30 days. Also, the state enterprise staff, civil servants, and government officials will wear black attire and observe mourning for a year.
The general public is encouraged by the government to wear subdued colours like white or black as a token of respect for 90 days. This is not yet strictly enforced.
Even though the nation is mourning, the tourism sector continues to operate normally. Major attractions, hotels, restaurants, and transportation services remain open, with zero restrictions on travel or sightseeing. Travelers can proceed with their plans but should be respectful of local customs, avoid loud celebrations, and dress modestly.
Travel Rules To Follow
1. Dress respectfully: Try and wear dark, muted, or subdued colors such as black, or white. Avoid bright colors, flashy and overly revealing outfits, especially when visiting temples, royal sites, and government buildings.
2. Avoid loud behavior: Keep noise to a minimum level in public spaces, especially near memorials, temples, and cultural or royal sites. Avoid loud music or any sort of public celebrations during this time.
3. Show respect: When passing portraits or memorials of the Queen Mother, make sure that you lower your voice or pause briefly as a sign of respect. Follow this especially if others around you are paying their respects.
4. Pin black ribbons: If you wish to show empathy, you can pin black ribbons on your clothing as a respectful gesture. It is widely available.
5. Respect public sentiment: Understand that while tourism continues as usual, the overall atmosphere is a little quiet, and hence, as responsible travelers, one should act in ways that honor the memory and cultural emotions associated with the mourning period.
6. Be mindful of local customs: Check the updated event schedules or format changes and respect them. It is possible that due to the mourning period, the events might be toned down or adjusted to reflect the national mourning atmosphere.
Summing Up
Indian tourists heading to Thailand during this mourning period will find a country in respectful observance of the Queen Mother’s passing, but essential services and tourist attractions continue to run smoothly. It’s recommended to dress modestly and behave respectfully, adhering to local customs.
