Thailand urges entertainment blackout

THAILAND: No public festivities or entertainment will be permitted in Thailand in October, the Thai government has said, ahead of the cremation of the country’s much- revered king.

Although entertainment venues will be allowed to operate and alcoholic drinks can be sold as usual, loud music and other forms of entertainment that affect public spaces will be banned on the anniversary of the king’s death on October 13 and during the cremation ceremony.

The famous Full Moon Party on the southern island of Koh Phangan has been cancelled for October and will resume in November.

The cremation of late king Bhumibol Adulyadej is scheduled for October 25-29 near the Grand Palace in Bangkok, South-east Asia’s party capital and a destination for millions of international tourists.

The ambiguity over what constitutes ‘‘public entertainment’’ has left the operators of Bangkok’s nightlife somewhat in the dark.

Similar ambiguities a year ago, when the late king died, led to some venues being told by local police to stop selling alcohol or close early while others continued their businesses as usual.

Thais have resumed wearing black this month, after life returned to normal since the monarch’s death last year. Many social media users have changed their profile pictures to black and white again.

Most television channels and websites have gone monochrome, with entertainment programs to be replaced by documentaries on Bhumibol’s life and work from October 13 onwards.

Tourists are asked to be ‘‘respectful’’ to Thai people’s feelings as they bid a final farewell to the king.

All tourist attractions remain open as usual except for the Grand Palace and the adjacent Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which will remain closed until October 29. Bhumibol, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, died last October at age 88 after seven decades on the throne. - DPA