Bangkok travel advisory for late King's ceremony

One other question, we plan to purchase air tickets in advance online. We believe the airport is likely to be very busy during the time of our arrival, how much time should we allow between arrival to Bangkok and our departure to Chiang Mae?

Thank you!

I remember sitting on a bench by the side of a boulevard in Bangkok and being asked by an official to stand. I thought he was joking, but he was serious. The Queen was driving by and everyone had to stand, so I stood. The Queen drove by. Then I sat down again. That doesn't help you, but if it were me, I would want to see some of the ceremonies involved in putting the old guy to rest. If that doesn't interest you, then get out of town.

Time between flights? Depends if you are flying into and out of the same airport. As for seeing some of the ceremonies, I think first preference should be given to Thais.

I would go straight to Chiang Mai and leave Bangkok until after the cremation if you have that fkexibility

I would leave the mourning to the Thais and not treat the arrangements as a tourist attraction.

If you are going to fly direct to Chiang Mai from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) then I'd leave 2-3 hours and if your flight leaves from Don Mueang Airport (DMK)i'd leave 4-5 hours. This should cover late arrivals/transfer/ immigration etc

As recommended to me by another TT-er I've been following Richard Barrow's blog on this issue which seems to be the most thorough I can find in English - see his link on it to his Facebook also. See RB Blog

To be honest I expect all forms of transport to be even more chaotic than usual since many are running free of charge and Thais head in and out from the provinces. Incidentally, I've arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport around noon time and waited in excess of 2 hours to get past immigration. And similarly, I've been through in less than 20 minutes. It all depends on the day. With the volume of Thai people expected in Bangkok during this funeral I'm not too sure the cost/occupancy status of hotels (especially towards the lower price end.) This may be worth checking also on sites such as Agoda.com.

Even now it's a bit of a nightmare getting around the royal Palace area because of road blockades. Knowing how much the Thais loved King Bhumibol I'd avoid Bangkok at that time and allow the Thai people to get on with the ceremony.

FWIW I was in Khorat once in a shopping mall and everyone was sitting on the floor. I hung around and a while later a royal came past (yes, I sat down like everyone else, which feels a bit weird in a mall). I was told by various people there that it was the Queen and the King, but it turns out it was a Princess.

Fly straight to Chiang Mai, and avoid Bangkok. Regardless of the cremation, it makes sense to save Bangkok and shopping until the end of your trip.

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