An old woman looking at an image of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Waroros Market in Chiang Mai on October 1, 2016
Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, died on Thursday in Bangkok at the age of 88, after more than 70 years on the throne.
The Royal Palace stated that he passed away peacefully at Siriraj Hospital at 15.52 local time.
King Bhumibol, deeply loved by the Thais, was a unifying figure and symbol of nationhood since he ascended the throne in 1946. The nation now mourns his passing.
Here are the immediate reactions of travel industry leaders when TTG Asia asked how they felt about the King’s death and their hopes for tourism’s future.
Ittirit Kinglake, president, Tourism Council of Thailand
“All Thai people are in their deepest sorrow. Many might not expect this would happen. His Majesty had worked hard and has been a great role model. Under current circumstances, I seek cooperation from all parties to allow us time to pass through this sorrowful moment.
“The tourism sector will try to promote community tours to distribute income to local people in accordance with His Majesty’s wish to see Thai people love and help one another. The tourism council is also ready to fully cooperate with the government and take actions accordingly. The council is prepared to receive foreign delegates who will attend royal funeral rites as well. Details will be discussed further.”
Supawan Tanomkieatipume, president, Thai Hotels Association, Thailand
“I believe all Thai people are sharing the greatest sorrow for the loss of our King. For the time being, we would like everyone to behave properly in terms of dressing and activities. The association is ready to fully cooperate with the government. We have informed members that decisions on the organisation of events will depend on those who ordered them. If they like to postpone them, the hotel management will facilitate.
“For the New Year, I believe that most hotels have no plans for the celebration and foreign clients understand the present circumstance because the demise of His Majesty the King has been reported. The mourning is likely to continue for at least three months.”
Pornthip Hirunkate, managing director, Destination Asia, Thailand
“Thailand is crying. Although we are mourning his passing with unspeakable grief, His Majesty is now resting in peace. He devoted his entire life for the sake of the Thai people. Even though he’s a monarch, he was such a simple and down-to-earth man, and a great role model for all of us. He kept Thailand independent as we are today. We all love and respect him as a father of the nation.”
Luzi Matzig, chairman, Asian Trails, Thailand
“We all knew that King Bhumibol was in poor health for quite some time, but it nevertheless came as a great shock to all of us when the official announcement of his passing was made. Half of our staff in the office were crying so the shock to all Thais is really major and will affect outbound travel from Thailand for at least a year. As far as inbound tourism is concerned I do not see any big change. I personally feel very sorry that we lost a great King who did a lot for the good of our country. May he rest in peace.”
Soontarut Wattanahongsiri, general manager, Abercrombie & Kent Thailand
“As you can expect, there’s a melancholic mood at our office this morning. Yet despite the understandable sadness, our staff is still buoyed by the feeling of pride as well as sorrow, as countless well-wishing messages have arrived from contacts around the world paying their respects.
“The numerous messages of sympathy console us with the fact that our beloved King was not only revered by Thai people, he was deeply respected across the world. His leadership will be greatly missed. He was a father to all Thai people; a true People’s King. Despite his passing, we’re sure he will continue to inspire our nation for countless generations who will look back on his life and tireless contributions with awe and great respect.”
Bill Heinecke, chairman & CEO, The Minor Group, Thailand
“King Bhumibol was the greatest source of strength and inspiration to all Thais, to countless others around the world and to me and my family personally. His Majesty led by unparalleled example, vision and sacrifice to work for the prosperity of the nation and all Thai people. His humanity and gentle wisdom has touched us all in a way that we cannot express in words and will continue to inspire for many generations to come.
“At this sad time, it is important that we pull together to support each other and act for the greater good of the country. One of the King’s enduring aspirations is the sustainable development of Thailand and Thai people. I am proud of Minor for the part that we play in this and have no doubt that we will all continue to work closely together to honour the legacy and memory of King Bhumibol. In the meantime, and until further notice, Minor’s business will operate as usual.”
Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA, Thailand
“Today is a sad day for Thailand. His Majesty was a kind man with a great heart who loved his people and this was felt by all Thai people and those of us who are guests in this land of smiles. He was the light for us all and he will be greatly missed. Today I only want to offer my sincere condolences to the royal family and the people of Thailand.”
Ho Kwon Ping, executive chairman, Banyan Tree Holdings, Singapore
“I’m in Bangkok and I see how it affects all my colleagues so deeply; all Thais have a deep respect, reverence, and genuine affection for a King who was a father figure for as long as anyone can remember. His passing is of course deeply mourned, and there will certainly be a lot of uncertainties ahead without the King’s silent but steadying influence.
“But Thailand has been a united, independent nation for centuries, longer than any other ASEAN country, so the Thai people will simply go through the transition in their own way and start a new era. Tourism has gone through so many upheavals in Thailand in the past decade and always recovered quickly, so I don’t see any reasons why it should not continue to grow.”
Hamish Keith, group managing director, Exo Travel, Thailand
“Everyone at EXO Travel are extremely saddened by the passing of our beloved King. His Majesty has been the guiding light for everyone in Thailand and the driving force behind everything that is good in Thailand including our tourism industry.
“He was a great leader and for those of us who have been fortunate enough to live in Thailand during his reign have had the privileged opportunity to learn from his teachings and actions. The King of Thailand was the father of the nation and a shining example for everyone to follow and the greatest respect we can pay our King is to honour his legacy and do the best we can to follow his example as a leader. All of us at EXO share in the grief of the Thai nation and offer our deepest condolences to everyone in Thailand.”
Darren Ng, managing director, TTG Asia Media, Singapore
“My deepest condolences to our Thai partners and people of Thailand for the loss of their beloved King. His Majesty’s influence and aspirations for the country has a large part to play in the way the rest of the world has come to know and love of modern Thailand. I believe that his legacy will live on and that the Thai spirit of resilience, sincerity and hospitality will be testimony of this. Thailand, please know that your loss is felt beyond your borders, and that my colleagues and I across Singapore, Hong Kong and the rest of Asia-Pacific mourn along with you.”
Michael Chow, group publisher, TTG Travel Trade Publishing, Singapore
“His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej will be remembered as a wise monarch and unifying figure who devoted his life to bettering the lives of his people. On behalf of TTG Asia Media and my TTG Travel Trade Publishing team across the region, I extend my deepest condolences to our Thai partners and the people of Thailand for their loss.”
An official one year period of mourning will come into effect from October 14. Visitors travelling to Thailand should exercise sensitivity and respect the loss of the Thai people. Across Thailand, entertainment venues, hotels and restaurants will remain open during the period of mourning but will be subdued. All planned festivities in Thailand will be cancelled over the next 30 days. The Royal Grand Palace in Bangkok will be temporarily closed for seven days.
