CityNews – Here is a list of what we know is going on, and not going on in Chiang Mai over the coming months following the death of His Majesty the King, Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Markets
The Saturday and Sunday Night Markets are now operating as usual. (following reports they were to be closed which were repealed)
The Night Bazaar is open as usual.
NAP Market scheduled for December 5-11 has now been rescheduled to sometime in January 2017.
The Citylife Garden Fair on November 19 is still on.
Restaurants and Cafes
Almost all restaurants and cafes are open as usual, however some who usually have live music will not for the next month.
Nightlife
Alcohol has not been banned but some restaurants and bars maybe closed or not selling alcohol out of respect for the King.
Most venues will be not playing music, and most scheduled DJ sets or live bands have been cancelled until at least November 14.
Zoe in Yellow and other tourist areas are open as usual, but will be heavily toned down for the next month or so.
Warm Up Cafe and other clubs around the city are open as usual, but have no live bands or DJs performing. Some maybe closed and it is best to check ahead.
The Citylife Wine Crawl and almost all night time events over the next month have been cancelled. Please check the individual events status before you go.
Festivals
The Loy Kratong (Yi-Peng) festival has not been cancelled after the Governor repeals his first announcement. However, the event will have no entertainment planned. People are invited to join the tradition in a peaceful and quiet manner. Fireworks have been banned. We are still unsure if the Maejo Lantern Festival will continue as planned or not.
Most Halloween festivals have been cancelled.
Private Events
In an article posted today by Khaosod (October 17), it is said that Officials have clarified that entertainment in the private sector is free to continue – as long as it is behind closed doors. Citylife suggests to use common sense about what you organise, as some still may find it disrespectful.
Weddings and fairs are permitted but are advised to tone down the entertainment and avoid loud music being played.
TV
Although the government has said they have returned broadcasting to the stations, several times a day all channels will display government broadcasts about the King and Royal Family. No entertainment programs are allowed for the next month, including game shows, competitions and soap operas.
According to some news reports, the government is strictly observing and censoring foreign media who are reporting on the death of the King.
The BBC has been regularly blocked since they began reporting on the King and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a press release claiming that foreign news sites have been severely under reporting the number of Thais who have gathered to mourn the loss of the King at the Royal Palace.
Other Media
On the whole, all other media outlets have yet to be censored. We advise people to be aware of what they post on Facebook more than ever during this time, as there has been many reports of mobs and angry attacks on people who have been found to be critical or not mourning enough.