The Royal Household announced today the temporary closure of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. They will be closed on October 1-29, 2017, to prepare for the royal cremation ceremonies for the late King. The Grand Palace will re-open on Monday October 30th.
The Thai Royal Government earlier had announced the dates for the Royal Cremation Ceremony of his majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away in October 2016. The funeral rites and the cremation will take place from Monday 23-29 October. The Royal Palace will therefore be closed for most of October in preparation and there will be some access restrictions to places located close to the Royal Palace and its temples. For visitors and tourists there are still many wonderful places to discover in Bangkok and alternative tours are readily available. Your travel provider can advise you for daily tours.
The Royal Cremation Ceremony will take place on Thursday 26 October 2017 and it has been proclaimed as a National Holiday as a mark of respect for the late King.
Visitors at this time are respectfully reminded that on this occasion it will be a time of great sadness for the whole nation. The Tourism Authority of Thailand recommends that visitors act and dress in a respectful manner during this period – not just in Bangkok, but throughout the whole Kingdom. Please note that banks and some other government related services will be closed on 26 October 2017.
