Thailand Bans Public Parties For Entire Month Of October

Thailand’s world-famous full moon parties, as well as other public festivities and revelry, have been cancelled for the month of October in the lead up to the cremation of the revered late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The move has been made in order to give locals time to mourn and pay their respects to their beloved king.

What’s been happening?

Thailand has been observing a one year mourning period after the king passed away on October 13 last year. Since then, his body has been lying in state in Bangkok’s Grand Palace, where thousands of people have been coming to mourn and pay their respects every day. The “father of the Thai people” will finally be put to rest during a majestic $90 million funeral, which will span five days, from October 25 to 29.

The Thai government has banned all forms of “public entertainment”, but business owners and patrons alike have been left in the dark as confusion looms about what is and what is not allowed or deemed appropriate. Last year during the month of mourning directly after the king passed, similar confusion and ambiguities resulted in some businesses operating as usual while others closed their doors.

The government has said that during the month of October bars and restaurants will be allowed to open and serve alcohol. However, loud music and festivities in public spaces, including the full moon party, will not be permitted especially on October 13 (the one year anniversary of the king’s death) and during the king’s cremation ceremony and funeral. Tourist attractions are expected to be open as usual with the exception of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Visitors have been asked to be particularly respectful and understanding towards locals during this difficult time.

A curtailment on public entertainment is not the only way Thais are honouring their revered king; many have decided to dress only in black during the month of October, television channels and websites have switched to black and white, and netizens have changed their profile pictures to monochrome and included the black ribbon of mourning.

When will the full moon parties resume?

If you find yourself on Koh Phangan expecting a huge beach party, you’ll need to wait until next month, when public entertainment restrictions will be lifted. In the meantime, why not seize the opportunity and take a look at the islands’ alternative attractions?

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.