Student events and activities can be organised as planned during mourning for the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, but provincial events should be toned down, Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat said on Monday.
Ms Narumon clarified her Oct 25 order for all organisations and schools under the jurisdiction of the Education Ministry to suspend all celebrations and entertainment-related events for one year.
The order went viral on social media and drew opposition from parents who want useful activities that benefit students to continue.
The education minister said she meant informal parties and entertainment events, such as alumni parties and congratulatory events, should be suspended.
The activities that benefit students and education personnel could continue, including sports days, scouting activities and normal sports events, Ms Narumon said.
However, the atmosphere should be appropriate, showing discipline, good manners and respect, the minister said.
The Interior Ministry said interior permanent secretary Unsit Sampuntharat had not banned any activities at provincial level, but advised organisers to ensure they remained appropriate to the mourning atmosphere following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
On Monday some municipal offices cancelled their Loy Krathong fairs planned for Wednesday next week. They included tambon Pa Bon municipal office in Phatthalung province and tambon Erawan municipal office in Kanchanaburi province.
The famous Loy Krathong celebration in Sukhothai province will go ahead as scheduled on Oct 27-Nov 5. However, the event’s usual Loy Krathong beauty pageant is cancelled and there will be a daily lighting of candle-lanterns in mourning, according to the Public Relations Department.
Tourism officials were still reviewing plans for other events.