Dear readers,

Does anyone have an idea if in Pattaya everything will be closed with the cremation of the king? I want to book my flight on October 26. Also present last year during the period during the death of the king, but then it is just a boring place there. I understand the Thai people but still want to enjoy my holiday.

Regards,

Johan

17 responses to “Reader question: Is everything closed in Pattaya during the king's cremation?”

  1. ruud says up

    The chance that everything is closed seems very high to me.
    The fact that you like it differently won't change that.
    A holiday in one of Thailand's neighboring countries is probably your best option during that period.

  2. TH.NL says up

    Just assume that most bars will be closed or not allowed to serve alcohol. Is that so bad now?

    • Bert says up

      It would be good for Thailand if they announced this well in advance.
      One day everything is closed, no one will have any problems with it, I think
      However, if it is longer than I can imagine that some people like it less, after all they come to enjoy their well-deserved holiday. This includes respect for the host country, but certainly also enjoying one's own.
      It doesn't really matter to me, I still have plenty of other days to enjoy here 🙂

    • Eric says up

      Mmmm….. for many tourists who work hard to go on holiday yes… Is that so strange?

      I myself can go wherever and whenever I want, but I can imagine that people who can go on holiday twice a year think twice about whether they want to spend in a "city in mourning". If what you say comes true: “most bars are closed or are not allowed to serve alcohol” it seems to me that is a reason for the average Pattaya tourist to travel to Pattaya or not. There is so much more to experience in Pattaya (I know…) but I think the question is extremely logical.

      I would -if possible- book later Johan.

  3. henry says up

    Just assume that during the cremation ceremonies, the night entertainment will be at a very low level, if at all. Public services and banks will also be closed. The Thais will be glued to the television.
    For the Thais, Father, because that is what the Thais call the deceased monarch, is cremated. Dutch and Belgian tourists do not realize what that man means to the Thais.

    I would even dare to recommend leaving the typical holiday clothes (especially in Bangkok) in suitcases during these days. But wear long pants and a shirt with long sleeves or at least a dark-colored and preferably black polo. This is not an obligation, but the Thai will greatly appreciate this, and it will only have a very beneficial effect on his behavior towards you

  4. Hank Hauer says up

    I find your comment quite inappropriate. The cremation is from October 25-28. Day of the cremation is October 26.
    During this time, nightlife will be at a very low level. Alcohol sales are prohibited on the day of the cremation. If you don't like this, just don't arrive until October 29th

    • Eric says up

      Well well well say… “extremely inappropriate”… How exaggerated can you react Henk?

      I dare to say that a holiday in a country/city in mourning does not attract most tourists and I think Johan's question is completely legitimate. And logically too.

      If you live or work in Thailand, it is a different story, but you cannot charge someone who travels to Pattaya as a holidaymaker for this question.

  5. Christian H says up

    From the information obtained so far, many will be closed in Thailand on the cremation day October 26.
    It is not known whether the days therefore business must be closed.

    • chris says up

      Government and bank offices will indeed be closed for at least 1 day (and possibly several); and the nightlife will be asked not to serve alcohol (it will also not be for sale for a few days except in the mom and dad shops) and to close on time. I do not expect any closure of shopping centers, including the bank branches there. Everything continues as much as possible, even in Bangkok.
      The 7 Eleven will almost certainly be open 24 hours a day, as always. The ceremonies also do not last all day but only part of the day. The Thais may watch TV all day long, but not the cremation.

      • Gerrit says up

        Close Chris,

        I've been living in Thailand for a few years now, but I think everything is closed on the 26th, including the 7-eleven. Especially all banks. It is Pha Thailand who is cremated and that is the holiest of the holiest for the Thai and again the holiest of it. Grandma is the boss in the family and will not allow the children or grandchildren to go to work on that day. That's how Thailand works.

        That's how it will be in Bangkok and the farther you live from Bangkok, the less it will be.
        But in Bangkok…….

        Greetings Gerrit

        • Bert says up

          @Gerrit,

          I have been coming to TH for over 30 years and have lived there for 5 now.
          Have never seen 7/11 closed.
          That they don't sell alcohol is another thing.
          The same goes for the big shopping malls.
          And yes we also live in BKK.

  6. Otto de Roo says up

    See also the travel advice from the Dutch government:

    The King of Thailand passed away on October 13, 2016. A period of mourning follows until the cremation ceremonies are completed. These will take place from 25 to 29 October 2017.

    Be respectful of the feelings of the Thai people during this period. Avoid critical statements or discussions about the Royal Family. There is a ban in Thailand on insulting the Royal Family. This is strictly enforced with very severe penalties as a result.

    Extra security measures may be taken around the cremation ceremonies. Always be able to identify yourself.

    Stay informed of current developments through the local media. Follow the directions of the local authorities.

  7. willem says up

    I was on holiday in Pattaya last year, just after the death of the king, but there was almost nothing going on there. Maybe a little less noisy.
    Then I did receive a mourning ribbon that I wore during my vacation

  8. Ko says up

    I think serving alcohol or not is the least problem during those days. Bangkok will come to a complete standstill, especially in the center. Airports heavily overloaded because of all kinds of foreign guests who will fly in and out with their entourage. The airspace will be heavily restricted for safety reasons and the presence of air security. In short, it is very unwise to come to Thailand in those days. Outside of Bangkok this will also lead to problems. Overcrowded roads, temporarily transferred staff from other airports to Bangkok, overcrowded buses and so on. Feel free to come a week later.

  9. Frank says up

    it has been known for almost a year and sir has also experienced the death. So it seems to me that the gentleman can sense that the situation will almost be the same. No alcohol, bars closed, gogo closed, disco closed, banks closed.

  10. Johan says up

    I would also go a day or 10 later. You can simply enjoy your holiday to the fullest. Would indeed be a waste of your holiday.

  11. Henk says up

    Maybe it's like last year.
    No alcohol, gogos and live music tents closed on the day of cremation.
    The following days again a muted atmosphere. All bandstands again with curtains closed and stuff.
    Maybe huh! I also do not know it.
    I booked anyway. Just be back in Pattaya in October.

    Was pretty quiet last year. My last day was just like that, I just experienced that the volume knob could be set to 10 again.


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