A Year of Commemoration: Everything you need to know about Queen Sirikit’s Royal Funeral and Thailand’s mourning period
It was announced that on October 24, 2025, Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit passed away at the age of 93. To honor her lifelong commitment to public service and national development—including her ever-present advocacy for traditional arts and crafts and rural welfare—the Royal Funeral Rites will take place over a year at the Grand Palace. The public is welcome to attend to pay their respects and sign the guest book throughout this period.
The year-long rites will commence at the Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion within the Grand Palace. The public are able to attend this initial ceremony to pay their respects to the Queen Mother’s portrait until November 8, 2025. Viewing hours for this period are daily from 08:30 to 16:00.
Following the initial 15-day ritual, the main Lying in State ceremony will move to the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall starting November 9, 2025. During this second, longer phase, people can participate to pay their respects directly to the Royal Coffin. Access is available every day between 09:00 and 21:00.
Here’s everything you need to know if you plan to attend the ceremony.
How to dress:
The dress code for attending the Royal Funeral Rites is strictly appropriate mourning attire. Cooperation is requested to ensure all attendees meet the standards:
- Male Attendees: Collared black shirts and proper black trousers are required.
- Female Attendees: Black shirts, skirts, or appropriate black dresses are advised.
- Prohibited Items: Jeans, sandals, and flashy accessories are strictly not allowed.
Getting there:
- Public Shuttle Services (Free of Charge)
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority is providing free shuttle services daily between 08:00 and 20:00 from the following major locations:
- Victory Monument
- Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (formerly known as Bang Sue Grand Station)
- Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)
- Hua Lamphong Station
- Ekkamai Station
- Bang Yai
- Rajamangala National Stadium
- Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal
- MRT Tha Phra, MRT Sanam Chai, MRT Sam Yot
- BTS Siam, BTS Wongwian Yai
The drop-off spots are Thanon Na Phra Lan and the World War I Volunteer Monument in front of The National Theater.
- Private Vehicle Parking
For those with private vehicles, there are four parking lots available (with fees applied and limited space):
- Thammasat University (Basement)
- Tha Maharaj
- Royal Thai Navy Club
- Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit
The procedure for paying respects at the Grand Palace:
Attendees are asked to cooperate by following this procedure upon arrival at the Grand Palace area. Staff will be on duty across the grounds for advice and assistance:
- Go through security and metal detectors in the area of Sanam Luang.
- Follow security’s guide to the Na Phra Lan Tunnel (Gate 1) for attire screening and further instructions.
- Arrive at the Manee Noparat Gate for a second security screening and identity scan.
- Enter the Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion.
- Pay respect to the Queen Mother’s portrait and sign the guest book to show gratitude and condolences.
- Follow the designated path to exit the ceremony at the Wiman Thewet Gate.
Thailand’s mourning period:
The country has entered a period of national mourning following the passing of the former Queen on October 24, 2025. The Thai government has released the following guidelines and requests for cooperation from state institutions and the general public:
- National flags at government offices, state enterprises, and schools must be flown at half-mast for a period of 30 days, beginning October 25, 2025.
- Government officials and civil servants are required to wear black mourning attire for one full year from October 25, 2025.
- For 90 days from October 25, 2025, the general public is advised to dress primarily in black, white, or other subdued, dark colours when in public spaces, as an expression of respect.
- Regarding public activities and entertainment, the government has not issued any prohibitions or cancellations. However, organizers are strongly encouraged to adjust event formats to align with the national sentiment. This means they should avoid or tone down any overly festive, celebratory, or loud elements. Furthermore, organizers are asked to consider postponing any events that have been planned ahead.
