This Saturday (Oct 13), marking two years since King Bhumibol passed away, is a public holiday and will see many activities throughout the country held to honour the King’s great achievements, and his love and devotion for his people.
With the holiday falling on a Saturday, next Monday (Oct 15) will be the substitution day public holiday.
As such all government offices will close on Monday, including Phuket Immigration Office, the Employment Office, the Land Transport Office and all three District Offices in Phuket.
All main bank branches will close, but branches in shopping centres will remain open on both the Saturday and the Monday.
All Royal Thai Police and Tourist Police stations will remain open and some local consulates will remain open to serve their respective citizens.
Special services will be held at Saphan Hin to honour the occasion, with people across the island asked to wear yellow in memory of the late King. (See story here.)
Although the sale of alcohol is not prohibited by law, police traditionally encourage people to refrain from drinking alcohol on the day as a sign of respect and in honour of King Bhumibol.
Bars in Patong, in particular, have been asked to be respectful, but left the option of whether or not to close or to serve alcohol over the long weekend. (See story here.)
