Bangkok: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior has directed governors across the nation to communicate that "no specific activities have been banned or suspended" in relation to the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty the Queen Mother. This directive aligns with the Cabinet resolution passed on October 25, 2015, emphasizing that traditional activities and significant holidays can continue, albeit with adjustments to respect the mourning period.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, issued a letter to provincial governors nationwide outlining the procedures for organizing activities in connection with the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother. The letter, which follows the Cabinet resolution of October 25, 2025, stresses that "no specific activities are prohibited or suspended," urging the public to exercise discretion. The government seeks cooperation from both the public and private sectors in adjusting the format of activities to be in harmony with the mourning atmosphere.
Mr. Arsit's communication to provincial governors also details the protocols for the royal funeral of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, as directed by the Office of the Prime Minister. These protocols require all provincial governors to comply. All government offices, state enterprises, government agencies, and educational institutions are instructed to fly flags at half-mast for 30 days, starting October 25, 2025. Civil servants and state enterprise employees, along with other government officials, are to wear mourning attire for one year from the same date.
Regarding the display of the royal portrait, the letter advises consideration of appropriateness, with portrait files available for download from the Public Relations Department website. Condolence messages should follow examples provided by the Royal Society, and the arrangement of tables for displaying the royal portrait must adhere to prescribed formats, avoiding the display of the royal monogram "S.K."
The letter also advises that traditional events, important days, and other activities should be appropriately adjusted to reflect the mourning period. The private sector and the general public are also requested to lower flags to half-mast for 30 days, beginning October 25, 2025. Decisions regarding mourning attire and the duration of mourning should be made as deemed appropriate. The guidelines suggest that displaying royal portraits, setting up altars, and organizing activities should proceed similarly to the practices of government agencies and state enterprises. Compliance with television broadcasting guidelines is mandatory.