Other events ‘must adhere to strict dress code and express mourning’

“For example, people should put on a black ribbon while attending the festivals,” Deputy PM General Tanasak Patimapragorn said yesterday. 
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on October 13, throwing his people into deep grief. Thailand is now a sea of black and white as Thais grieve over the demise of their much-revered monarch.
Tanasak yesterday convened a meeting of the National Culture Commission to determine guidelines for the celebrations of key festivals such as Loy Krathong, Christmas, New Year, the Chinese New Year and Songkran. 
After the meeting he said the celebrations could be held in line with local traditions and context. 
“Fireworks and firecrackers can be lit at appropriate venues and with permission from authorities,” he said. 
However, he urged organisers of the Loy Krathong Festival to refrain from holding beauty contests and concerts. 
He said entertainment content should be removed from any Kathin merit-making ceremonies. There will be two types - events arranged by members of the public and royal kathin ceremonies (which will require formal mourning attire). 
The deputy PM said Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Songkran could be celebrated “with the absence of concerts”. 
“Participants in the celebrations should also wear polite clothes and put on the sign of mourning such as wearing a black ribbon.” 
He said entertainment venues could operate their services within the line of appropriateness and local context. Tanasak also said the Fine Arts Department had completed the design of the royal crematorium for the late King. “HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will review the design,” he said. “We can’t disclose details now.”
Tanasak said the design was not based on any past royal crematorium. While the design is grand, it reflects the sufficiency that the King promoted in his lifetime.
“We are publishing millions of copies of His Majesty’s history and royal works and books on his royal guidance and speech for distribution to mourners in the Sanam Luang area,” Tanasak said.
Starting next Friday, the National Museum Bangkok will open an exhibition on the late King. The event will feature more than 15,000 photos about the much-beloved monarch. 
A total of 41 natural museums in Thailand have offered free admission until January 31.