Aussie tourists face booze-free Thai holiday
A full moon party on Thailand's Koh Phangan island. Photo: Getty
Aussie tourists in Thailand may have to endure a holiday without alcohol as the nation begins a booze ban out of respect for its dead king, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Tourism is urging Australians in Thailand “behave” following the king’s death which will usher in a 30-day moratorium on state events and major disruptions to normal services.
An official one year mourning period has begun at a time of deep sorrow for Thai people, DFAT confirmed on Friday morning.
“You should abide by local laws and respect Thai customs at this time. Dress and behave appropriately,” DFAT said on its website.
Some Australians took to social media to express dismay and even panic at the prospect of a southeast Asian holiday without booze.
Hearing that there is going to be a alcohol ban in Thailand because the king died today, I will actually cry if that happens 😭
— Arran Jefferies (@arranj13) October 13, 2016
The King of Thailand died and there are rumors of banning alcohol for the year of mourning I am about 30 seconds away from a panic attack
— Danny (@G0d_Dan_it) October 13, 2016
The world’s longest serving monarch, 88, died on Thursday from illness.
Thais gathered outside Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital where the king had been treated for various ailments for much of the past decade.
Many sobbed loudly, clutching each other in anguish and shouting “Long live the king”.
People react during prayers after the death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Photo: Getty
The Thai government has announced a one-year mourning period and a 30-day moratorium on state events.
Businesses, tourist attractions and public transport were expected to remain open on Friday because of the government’s desire not to hurt the sputtering economy.
But DFAT warned some entertainment and tourist venues may be closed or otherwise disrupted.
It continues to advise Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand due to the possibility of civil unrest and the threat of terrorist attacks.
Australian diplomatic missions in Thailand may close during the mourning period.
– with AAP
