While Thailand is officially in a mourning period in remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Ministry of Tourism and sports (MOTs) along with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thai people want to assure foreign visitors and tourists that Thai people remain as warm and hospitable as ever, with cultural attractions and facilities for tourists all in place.
Furthermore, most cultural, traditional and MICE events will still go on with some adjustments for appropriateness. Otherwise, it is business as usual with the mourning period having no impact on travel plans and tours.
H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports said,
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is working closely with public and private tourism organisations to get the message out that all events and festivals, including sports tournaments and cultural traditions, will be going ahead as scheduled though a sense of respect and appropriateness will be maintained.”
As part of the strategy to get the message out, Mrs. Kobkarn welcomed ambassadors and diplomats from 34 countries as well as representatives from 10 chambers of commerce to “The Afternoon Tea with the Minister of Tourism and Sports.” This was aimed at spreading the word that “life goes on” in Thailand and that visitors will be welcomed with open arms and all events and festivals are going ahead.
These events include: the Air Race One flying test event from 19-20 November, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon on 20 November, the Thailand Equestrian Princess’s Cup from 25-27 November, the Jet-Ski King’s Cup from 3-4 December, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta from 3-10 December, the Chiang Mai Marathon on 18 December and the New Year Countdown event. In 2017, the Bangkok Marathon is scheduled to take place on 5 February as well as Songkran on 13-15 April.
To ensure that members of the public get the chance to pay their heartfelt respects to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in collaboration with the public and private tourism sectors and TAT, made arrangements to provide transportation to Sala Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion at the Grand Palace, in the Sanam Luang area from 17 October, 2016.