Minister Koenders in Bangkok: condolences for Thai people after the death of the king
Foreign Minister Koenders has expressed his condolences to the Thai people from Bangkok on behalf of the Netherlands after the death of His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej.
'He was a highly respected and beloved monarch who held the throne for 70 years. For decades, the King was a symbol of unity among the Thai people and had great political influence behind the scenes,' says Koenders. The minister will be in the Thai capital Bangkok from Thursday to participate in a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union.
According to the minister, Thailand has experienced significant development and prosperity under the leadership of King Bhumibol. The king also played a major role in the country as a stabilizing factor in politically turbulent times, according to Koenders. "The coming days are of great importance given the political situation in the country and the succession of the King."
Due to the death of King Bhumibol, a long period of mourning follows in Thailand in which social life is curtailed. Festive activities and alcohol consumption are not allowed during this period.
In a travel advice that has now been amended, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Dutch people in Thailand to follow the instructions of the local authorities and to respect local customs and the restrictions imposed on social life. They are strictly enforced. Critical statements or discussions about the royal family should be avoided, the ministry emphasizes.
For consular help and advice in Thailand, the 24/7 BZ Contact Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can always be reached via +31 247 247 247 or on Twitter via @247BZ.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my condolences to the Thai people on the death of their beloved king.
Yesterday, as usual, The world goes on on TV and I felt an unacceptable comment about the king sitting in a wheelchair "The longest living sitting king in the world" This comment is substandard and indecent after the death of the Thai king. No respect and decency, I would like Minister Koenders to apologize for this. A sad and compassionate Martin for the Thai people
Isn't it true that the guy Mathijs van Nieuwkerk has to apologize what a… say k program by the way.
yes it is true that Mathijs van Nieuwkerk should definitely do that
Dear Martin and Wim, I think you don't understand the format and certainly not who the source was!!! That video was used by DWDD. Asking for your apologies is nonsense and not the way we deal with freedom of expression, so the video was justified (whether it is decent or not is a personal decision for everyone). Because you now happen to live in Thailand or are on holiday is not relevant for the Netherlands. In Thailand, these other laws apply and they must be respected in THAILAND, which is why people are now clearly pointing this out to the tourist with do what you say carefully and follow the Thai values in this. Of course I agree with that because these are the rules in Thailand. But this is the Netherlands and it is a good thing that we can make satire about it! A question in return: Would you have also blown so high from the tower when it came to Our King? Don't answer, I already know!
I don't know who you are and whether you are aware of the norms and values of our country. I still think what you understand by satire is not possible, and blowing that high off the tower strikes me as a form of being disrespectful. My son has lived in Thailand since 1996 and is married to a Thai woman. They are both traditionally loyal royalists and I myself respect their loyalty to the Thai kingdom, especially the king (RIP)
what do you mean i already know?
Due to the death of King Bhumibol, a long period of mourning follows in Thailand in which social life is curtailed. Festive activities and alcohol consumption are not allowed during this period.
Is this really enforced in Thailand with a one year mourning period?
Then this will be disastrous for tourism.
Piet, this applies to 30 days. You can just drink your beer. If you want music you can do it at home. My wife has the radio on with music at the moment. CDs and DVDs are sold normally, so one film or music is enough. Be resourceful. The one-year mourning is common Thai Buddhist custom and is also done among common people. I don't understand that panic.
As with almost everything in Thailand, this mourning period has an outside and an inside. The outside is: a period of less festivities, less public entertainment, less alcohol sales, more black clothing. The national football competition has ended and there will be no more football this year. The leader is declared champion. The following applies to all these matters: the period differs. For example, I will have to wear white or black clothing at my university for a year. This is not necessary at the weekend, although the Thais will not walk around with flowery dresses or shirts. Alcohol is now available almost everywhere.
The inside is: after a few weeks everyone is used to the external situation and people allow themselves much more indoors and in their own street. The Thais are much more concerned about the succession to the king and the effect it may or may not have on daily life: dissatisfaction that may lead to disturbances and the way in which this government will respond. In my own neighborhood it's more the conversation than the beer or the bottle of whiskey. Rightly so.