Tourists travelling to Thailand cautioned against behaving badly

BANGKOK – Several countries have issued travel advisories urging its citizens travelling to, or already in Thailand to show respect for grieving Thai nationals, following the death of revered Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday (Oct 13).

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement on Friday noting that “this is a time of deep sorrow for Thai people”. It urged Australians travelling to Thailand to “demonstrate respect for the grief of the Thai people and refrain from any behaviour that may be interpreted as festive, disrespectful or disorderly”.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) also issued an advisory to its citizens to “respect the feelings and sensitivities of the Thai people at this time”. The statement added: “You should behave respectfully when in public areas. If possible, wear sombre and respectful clothing when in public”.

The UK FCO also urged its citizens to follow the advice of the local authorities. The Netherlands also issued a similar advisory to its citizens. Dutch tourists to Thailand were warned on Thursday to avoid any “declarations or discussions critical of the royal family” in a travel advice sent by the foreign ministry, which also urged its citizens “follow the instructions of local authorities, and respect local customs and restrictions imposed on social life”.

The travel advisories were issued after Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha announced on national television that: “All entertainment functions must tone it down for 30 days”.

Access to entertainment, including restaurants, bars, and shopping areas may be restricted in the next month.

Thailand’s toursim industry accounts for some 21 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product. British, Australian and American tourists are known to flock to the popular South-east Asian destination for scenic beach holidays and its nightlife scene.

A record 32 million visitors are expected to travel to the Kingdom this year, up from 30 million last year.

Thailand’s laws protecting the royal family from insult are among the strictest in the world. Article 112 of the criminal code says anyone who “defames, insults or threatens the king, queen, heir-apparent or regent” will be punished with up to 15 years in prison.

Foreigners have been jailed for breaking the law.

In 2009, an Australian writer was sentenced to three years in prison for a passage in his 2005 novel deemed insulting to the monarchy. He was later released.

In 2007, a Swiss man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for spray-painting graffiti over posters of King Bhumibol, apparently while drunk. He was later released.

“We recommend the following for residents and tourists: exercise caution and observe public order laws ... maximum respect for the sentiment of the Thai people,” the Italian Embassy in Bangkok said.

The Thai government said it had increased security around the country following the king’s death.

“Stupid behaviour right now is totally out of the question,” said Didier Arnault, a French national living in Bangkok’s historic quarter near royal palaces. CYNTHIA CHOO, WITH AGENCIES