Attention, travelers to Thailand: The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew will be closed from today until the 29th

▲Thailand will hold the royal cremation ceremony for the late King from October 25 to 29. (Photo / Reporter Chen Hanyin)

Reporter Chen Hanyin / Comprehensive report

Travelers planning to visit Thailand in the near future should pay special attention: the beloved late King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away last year at the age of 89. The Thai Royal Government recently announced that the royal cremation ceremony will take place from October 25 to 29, 2017, with the actual cremation ceremony set for October 26. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) will be temporarily closed during this period.

During the five-day royal cremation ceremony, tourist attractions across Thailand will remain open as usual. However, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok — the main venues for the royal cremation — will be temporarily closed from now until October 29. In addition, all transportation, banks, shopping areas, hospitals, and other public services will operate as normal. Nevertheless, the Tourism Authority of Thailand still advises travelers or tourists making travel plans to confirm their itineraries and transportation arrangements with their travel agencies again, and to comply with relevant local government measures to avoid any disruptions to their trip.