The ceremony took place at 8am in the main lobby of Phuket Provincial Hall and was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, together with the Phuket Governor’s wife, Ms Ruedeewan Srikruanetra, who serves as President of the Phuket branch of the Red Cross Society and the Ministry of Interior Housewives Association.
Also present were Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam, while senior officials, government officers, members of the armed forces, police, prosecutors, state enterprise employees, local administrators and members of the public attended to offer their respects.
The ceremony formed part of a nationwide directive from the Ministry of Interior for all provinces to hold the ritual simultaneously in remembrance of the Queen Mother, who passed away yesterday.
In Phuket, three districts held concurrent ceremonies at 2pm ‒ Muang Phuket District at its District Office, Thalang District at Wat Thepwararam (Wat Manik) in Srisoonthorn and Kathu District at the Kathu District Office ‒ giving residents across the island the opportunity to participate.
Government officers, soldiers and police officers attended in white uniforms with mourning armbands, while members of the public wore black or formal mourning attire. Provincial officials also opened the Provincial Hall to allow residents to join the ablutions ceremony and sign books of condolence until 4pm.
Government offices, state enterprises, schools and other agencies across Phuket have displayed black and white mourning cloth and lowered flags to half-mast following the Cabinet’s resolution yesterday, in accordance with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s directive for all government institutions nationwide to lower flags for 30 days.
The resolution also requires civil servants and government officials to observe a one-year mourning period. The public has been requested to wear black or plain, subdued colours for 90 days to honour the Queen Mother’s memory.
Prime Minister Anutin announced the measures following the Bureau of the Royal Household’s official statement confirming the Queen Mother’s passing, and urged all sectors to maintain a solemn atmosphere befitting the nation’s mourning period.
Phuket City Municipality has also expressed its condolences, with Mayor Suphot La-ongphet announcing that municipal flags will fly at half-mast for 15 days and mourning cloth will be displayed at the municipal office.
Officials, employees and residents have been asked to wear black or formal attire, while a condolence book will be made available for the public to express their loyalty and gratitude.
“On behalf of the people of Phuket City, we express our deepest condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother,” Mayor Suphot said. “We humbly remember her great kindness and generosity in performing royal duties for the benefit and happiness of the Thai people.”
‘RESPECTFUL’
Meanwhile, the government has clarified that reports of a ban on entertainment activities for the private sector are incorrect.
Traisulee Traisaranakul, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, confirmed that no official order has been issued to prohibit or suspend private events. Rather, the government has asked businesses and organisers to exercise discretion and adjust activities to align with the atmosphere of mourning.
“The government understands that entertainment, tourism and service industries have planned events in advance. We ask that they consider appropriateness and show respect to Her Majesty the Queen Mother,” Ms Traisulee said. “The Prime Minister’s intention is for all Thais to mourn with love, respect and unity, without restricting economic or social activities.”
She also urged the public to rely on official information sources and not be misled by inaccurate reports.
Earlier, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perisvivatana explained that the government is merely requesting cooperation from entertainment businesses, venues and service establishments to refrain from or reduce entertainment activities for 30 days.
“For events already scheduled, organisers should consider adjusting the format to suit the occasion. For events not yet begun, we ask that they be postponed until after the mourning period,” Ms Lalida said.
She emphasised that all parties are encouraged to act with modesty and the utmost respect for the Queen Mother’s grace.
NATIONWIDE
Across Thailand, government offices and local authorities have begun implementing official mourning protocols, with black and white decorations now adorning buildings and flags lowered to half-mast in tribute.
The government has invited the public to join in prayers and mourning for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
A live broadcast of the Royal Cremation Ceremony and Buddhist chanting ceremony will be aired nationwide today (Oct 26) from 3:20pm until the conclusion of the ceremony, on all Public Relations Department channels.
“May Her Majesty the Queen Mother rest in peace, and may her benevolent spirit continue to protect the Thai people and bless our nation with lasting happiness and prosperity,” Ms Traisulee said.