La Chambre • Secteurs & marchés
What you need to know about October 2017 in Thailand.
2nd October 2017 – As most of you know already, it has been a year since the passing of King Bhumibol on 13th October 2016. In October, one year later, will be organized his official Cremation Ceremony, coming up on the 26. During the process of the Royal Cremation which will last five days, tourist attractions across Thailand will be open as usual. This is with the exception of Bangkok’s Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which will be closed from 1-29 October, 2017, as they will be the venue of the Royal Cremation.
With respects to what the Thai Tourism of Thailand recommended, in this time of great sadness and mourning, we also would like to ask that everyone uses their judgment regarding how or should they make arrangements for events planned in Thailand. Also, we would like to ask visitors for their understanding that this is a sensitive time for Thailand, and they should respect the feelings and sensitivities of the Thai people.
Many Thai people will be wearing black clothes as a sign of mourning. This is not required of visitors but if possible, they should wear respectful clothing when in public. We also would like to request that the solemnity of the Royal Cremation is observed, and visitors should refrain from conducting any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour.
Transportation
Bangkok Deputy Governor Pol Lt-Gen Chintat Meesuk said that, the Royal Cremation Ceremony of the Late King Bhumibol will be held on 26th Oct 2017, and in order to facilitate people who wish to attend the Royal Cremation Ceremony, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration are pleased to provide free transportation (BTS, BRT, Bus and boat) services during 25th-27th Oct 2017.
On 26th Oct 2017, which will be the Royal Cremation Day, the BTS Sky Train will be free of charge from Mo Chit to Samrong station and from the National Stadium station to Bang Wa station.
But for 25th and 27th Oct 2017, commuters can travel with free fare only for BTS system’s extensions from On Nut station to Samrong station and from Wongwian Yai station to Bang Wa station.
For the boat and the BRT services, it will be free of charge all day long throughout 25th-27th Oct 2017 which include the boat service in Klong Padung Krungkasem from Hua Lampong to Thevarat market and in Klong Phasi Charoen from Phetkasem 69 pier to Pratunam Phasi Charoen. For BRT bus, providing service from Sathon to Ratchapruek, for the purpose that people can travel comfortably to express their melancholy and also their gratefulness to the Late King Bhumibol.
Online & Digital Advertising:
Out of respect for the late king, the commercial sector has started to tone down their activities during the entire month of October. TV programming, billboards and advertisements (both online and offline) will be replaced with messaging honoring the late king and footage of the king's royal duties.
Marketers should adjust marketing efforts in light of the royal cremation. The Digital Advertising Association of Thailand (DAAT) has recommended advertising guidelines.
Video, promotional and advertising contents on all offline, social and digital platforms should be in grayscale (desaturation of up to 40%)
When developing artwork and creative, it is recommended to consider the use of neutral colors such as white, silver, black or beige.
Websites can remain in color, however it is recommended to embed a black ribbon or an official condolence message.
Online advertisements should be respectful and reflect the sentiment during the period.
13th and 21st to 29th October (10 Days) - No ad activity or any promoting of events, except for content relating to the mourning period of the Thai King is still allowed to be published.
25th to 27th October - All ads activity on every platforms or event must be paused (not-active), due to the Royal Thai Cremation ceremony.
28 th - 31 st October - Advertising can resume, however in a subdued manner. No vibrant colors, no comedy and no celebratory content during this period.
