Hundreds of thousands commemorate Queen Sirikit: Great mourning in Bangkok!

Hundreds of thousands commemorate Queen Sirikit: Great mourning in Bangkok!

The atmosphere in Bangkok today is noticeably festive as the city prepares for a momentous event. On October 29, 2025, citizens gather at Sanam Luang to pay respects to Queen Sirikit, the king's mother. The Queen's portrait attracts not only locals but also many foreign visitors who want to experience Thai culture up close. The area has been open to the public since October 27, 2025 and opening hours are daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To ensure that everything runs smoothly, various authorities have come together. The Royal Palace, police, military and volunteers work hand in hand to both manage queues and carry out security checks. The elderly and those with special needs have also been catered for as there are staff on site to provide support. Those looking for a little adventure can use the tram service that runs from various points, especially Tha Chang, to Sanam Luang.

Special features and offers of help

The rush of visitors is enormous; Estimates put 2,000 to 3,000 people per day in the first three days of the event. To also take the health aspect into account, medical units have been provided, as well as service points where visitors can obtain food and drinks. There are even special wheelchairs available for wheelchair users to make their visit as comfortable as possible.

If the weather doesn't cooperate, the organizers have taken precautions. Umbrellas and rain gear are available to keep the mood going. Those interested are also asked to make donations to purchase additional umbrellas and wheelchairs. If you are traveling by car, you should find out about the parking options at Thammasat University and in the surrounding area, as private vehicles are not recommended due to the high volume of traffic.

Cultural highlights in Thailand

But it's not just today that there's a lot going on in Bangkok! On October 27, 2024, a festive barge procession was held in honor of King Maha Vajiralongkorn's 72nd birthday. This ceremony, in which robes were handed over to Buddhist monks, is part of the Kathin ceremony and has high cultural significance. Such an event, symbolizing the connection between monarchy and Buddhism, rarely takes place. The last barge procession took place in 2012 during the reign of King Rama IX. took place and was therefore of great importance in Thai culture. The fleet at the time consisted of 52 elaborately decorated barges and attracted tens of thousands of visitors who wanted to experience the splendor of the traditions first hand.

The diverse cultural program in Thailand is rounded off by international films that continually reflect Thai culture and values. An example of this is the classic “The Godfather,” the 1972 gangster film that is not only famous for its gripping narrative but also delves deeply into the psychology of its characters. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, it tells the story of the Corleone family and shows how power and tradition are intertwined.

Finally, today's mood in Bangkok shows once again how important cultural events are for society. Be it emotional occasions such as respect for the Queen or significant traditions such as the barge procession - they all not only offer an insight into Thai history and culture, but also unite people and create a sense of community.