Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit passed away peacefully on October 24 at the age of 93, the Thai Royal Household announced. She departed at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, leaving behind a legacy that touched millions of Thai lives.
The royal family will observe a year of mourning, and Thai people have been invited to wear black or subdued colors for 90 days to honor her memory.
For many Thais, Queen Sirikit was more than just royalty. She spent decades working with rural communities, championing women's causes and keeping traditional Thai arts and crafts from disappearing. A lot of people saw her as a maternal figure who genuinely cared about ordinary people's lives.
You can still see her influence everywhere in Thailand today – particularly in the traditional textiles and crafts she worked so hard to preserve. The rural development programs she supported and her focus on women's empowerment have shaped how charitable organizations operate in Thailand ever since.
Daily life in Bangkok continues mostly as usual. The government hasn't mandated any business closures or shut down entertainment venues, though event organizers are being asked to keep things respectful. That said, some events across the country have been cancelled out of respect. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has postponed the Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 light and sound show, the Skyline Film shut down their showings over the weekend, and the 2025 BamBam 'Hometown' concert in Bangkok has postponed ticket sales. Some events like The Ultimate Food Festival are still happening, just with some thoughtful modifications.
What this means day-to-day is that Bangkok's restaurants, bars and events will remain open – just with a more subdued, respectful atmosphere. It's a good idea to check with specific venues beforehand, as some may tweak their hours or scale back certain forms of entertainment.
If you're visiting Bangkok right now, just be aware of what's happening. Wearing black or muted colors isn't required for visitors, but it's a gesture that would mean something to Thai people during this time.