Bangkok - Death of a Princess

Posted by Mari Nicholson Jan 6, 2008

As Thailand mourns the death of Princess Galyanai Vadhana, the revered King’s sister, hundreds of parties and celebrations planned for the New Year have been cancelled. Most hotel operators have fallen in with the mood of the country and events already booked have been rescheduled for later in the year - after the required 100 days mourning.

Most of these events were postponed New Year parties for groups and small organizations that couldn’t make a booking near to the actual New Year, annual Thank You parties, company staff parties and friendly get-togethers for personal celebrations.

International meetings and business conferences will still be allowed, as the hotel operators and the authorities recognise that these events cannot always be re-scheduled.

Marriott, Hilton, Dusit Thani, Centara, Banyan Tree Hotels affected

Most of the major hotels, including Marriott, Hilton, Centara, Dusit Thani and Banyan Tree, have reported cancelled bookings of between 600-1000 people but confirm that business functions are still going ahead and that the other events can be re-scheduled.

Meantime, business people and all civil servants in Bangkok have heeded the Court and the Government's request that dark colours be worn for 15 days. Stores and shops have been quick to rush to the fore new suits, shirts, blouses, skirts and even sarongs, and the city has taken on a sombre look.

It is to the credit of the Thai traders that prices have not risen due to this rush for black attire, as it seems to be felt that to profit from the death of a beloved Princess would be less than fair. To the tourist, the change from the normally exotic shirts favoured by many of the young people to the serious black shirt and slacks or blouse and skirt, seems strange, but to the Thais, ever respectful of their royal family, it is normal.