7 things you didn't know about Thailand and its late king

Thailand is a fascinating country in the southeast of Asia full of curiosities that contrast with our customs and culture. Here are some things you might not know for your monarchy and the recent death of its king, an event that has greatly changed some aspects of daily life in the country. In tourism activities and Organised tours of Thailand has had little impact.

A king with a never-ending name

On 13 October 2016, the death of Phra Bat Somdet Phra Chao Yu Hua Phumiphon Adunyadet Maha Rat who held the title of King Bhumibol the Great. In the West, to make things easier, he is known as Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX or more commonly as the King of Thailand.

Full national mourning

Official mourning for the king, who is also head of state, head of the armed forces, a Buddhist and a supporter of religions, lasts one year in Thailand, with the first month observed most strictly and intensely.

During this period of time Thai officials must dress in strict black. So does a large part of the population of all Thailand as a sign of mourning. Demand for black clothing is so high that makeshift dyeing businesses have appeared in major-city streets. Shops have sold out of black garments.

Also mourning in the media

The programming of the different television channels in Thailand has changed considerably. They broadcast in black. Yes, as a sign of respect, TV broadcasts now appear in black and white. Programmes repeatedly cover the king’s life, achievements and values, with interviews in which public figures pay tribute to him.

Colour returns during daily broadcasts of religious services and official ceremonies.

A sarcophagus in vertical position

Once the King of Thailand his body was taken from hospital to the Royal Palace, where close relatives would wash it and place it inside the royal sarcophagus, standing upright. Vertical? It must indeed be so, for the King of Thailand It must always be above, higher than any other person, and therefore it can never be in a lying position. The King's remains will remain in this way, standing, until the time of cremation, which will be in several months or perhaps years.

Who will be the future king?

Now, in principle, it is the turn of Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, he would be crowned as Rama X. The ‘problem”, so to speak, is that his long list of eccentricities and conduct far from the expected behaviour of a revered king’s eldest son has damaged his reputation.

One of strangest things attributed to Maha Vajiralongkorn was appointing his lapdog Foo Foo as air chief marshal. An internet search reveals several more...

Let's not talk bad about anyone...

But we cannot speak ill of him, for in Thailand the law protects the Monarchy from all kinds of publications if they do not follow the official line. The lèse-majesté laws provide heavy penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, for spreading rumours, insults or defamatory comments about the King and his heirs.

Even Google is said to have complied with the country’s laws, removing content considered inappropriate by the Thai authorities.

Everything is more or less the same in Thailand

We used to say that at first. Everything remains the same for the Travellers and Tourists Planning to Visit Thailand, though public celebrations and expressions of joy are limited. Some festivals are postponed, fireworks must wait, and signs of mourning dominate the streets. The Royal Palace and Temple of the Buddha are closed, but other sites operate normally.

Travellers should wear subdued colours as a sign of respect and avoid inappropriate behaviour in public.