The Thai government has announced mourning periods for the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, starting with a royal funeral procession and public tribute ceremony scheduled on Sunday.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced a cabinet resolution regarding the national morning period starting on Saturday for Her Majesty Queen Mother, who passed away peacefully on Friday night.
All government offices, state enterprises, public agencies and educational institutions were instructed to lower the national flag to half-mast for 30 days.
Civil servants, state employees and government officials are to wear mourning attire for a period of one year.
The general public is urged to act in accordance with what is appropriate, Mr Anutin said. Entertainment venues and service businesses are requested to suspend or reduce entertainment activities for 30 days.
As for pre-planned activities, organisers should adjust formats to ensure appropriateness in line with public sentiment, according to the government.
Two concerts by the K-pop supergroup Blackpink at Rajamangala National Stadium will go ahead on Saturday and Sunday evening, but organisers BEC Tero have asked concertgoers to wear black.
The prime minister asked people to cooperate in wearing black or non-vibrant tones for a period of 90 days, if possible. The request reflects the deep gratitude for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s benevolence to Thailand over more than 70 years. (Story continues below)
A royal funeral procession will start at 4pm on Sunday. It will depart from Chulalongkorn Hospital, turning left onto Henri Dunant Road, then right onto Rama IV Road. At the Sam Yan intersection, it will turn right onto Phaya Thai Road, then left at the Phaya Thai intersection onto Si Ayutthaya Road.
The 10-kilometre route will pass 901 Land and Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram, before turning left onto Ratchadamnoen Road toward the Grand Palace.
Members of the public can offer ceremonial water in tribute before the royal portrait on Sunday, from 8am to 12pm, at the Sala Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion, Grand Palace.
The Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office will appoint a Royal Funeral Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin. The Permanent Secretary will serve as the committee secretary.
Members of the Royal Family will be invited to serve as advisers. Government agencies are instructed to assign officials to attend daily chanting ceremonies for 100 consecutive days.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has decreed a one-year mourning period for the Royal Family and Royal Court officials from the date of his mother’s passing. Her remains will be enshrined at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the palace.