The Thai King Is Dead & Tourists Are Already Losin’ It About An Alcohol Ban

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October 13, 2016

In case you haven’t got your finger on the pulse of Southeast Asian dynastic politics – and if you don’t, shame on you – the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, has died after a long period of illness. Having reined since 1946, he was the longest serving monarch in the world, and was insanely wealthy, with an estimated $30 billion in assets attached to the Crown, as managed by the country’s Crown Property Bureau.

A statement from the royal household bureau said Bhumibol “passed away peacefully” at 3.52pm on Thursday. It came as a surprise for many, but the man has been ill for a decade. His wife Queen Sirikit has also been suffering ill health. His son and heir Maha Vajiralongkorn does not command the same respect as his father, leaving some concerned about the future of the country.

Thailand venerates its monarchy – it’s an institution which has arguably kept the country together through revolutions, coups and juntas aplenty. It has very, very strict laws which mandate imprisonment for insulting the King. And when a monarch dies, the country enters a period of mourning.

This period of mourning has been set at one year, and there are numerous political ramifications there – one of which being that the military junta which currently governs the country will probably maintain its rule for longer. Another ramification? It’s pretty likely there will be a booze ban for at least a few weeks. Not the end of the world, obviously, but tourists are losing their dang minds.

As you know, Thailand is a holiday destination du jour for extremely drunk Australians and also, bafflingly, Eastern Europeans. A booze ban would have a serious impact on 18-year-olds named Brayden who are currently in Bangkok as part of some kind of alcohol-fuelled spiritual exodus.

Bars are apparently closing, and its expected that entertainment districts will shut down for whatever period is deemed necessary.

Nothing has been actually announced – I need to stress this, because the hysteria is building – but there’s already panic starting to filter through among expats, locals and tourists online:

lol my mate just arrived in Bangkok for a holiday on the day the Thai king dies & they announce a ban on alcohol for 1 month out of respect

— resolutions keeper (@granitetide) October 13, 2016

Hearing that there is going to be a alcohol ban in Thailand because the king died today, I will actually cry if that happens ??

— Arran Jefferies (@arranj13) October 13, 2016

King of Thailand died so they can’t drink alcohol. My sisters due dying

— ebony (@Ebony__Martin) October 13, 2016

Alcohol ban across Thailand, cant believe what im seeing

— Phil (@BoyPhil) October 13, 2016

The King of Thailand died and there are rumors of banning alcohol for the year of mourning I am about 30 seconds away from a panic attack

— Danny (@G0d_Dan_it) October 13, 2016

Consul of Finland to Thailand informs of no alcohol for long time, reserve cash and food just in case and government service difficult.

— Mr. Sweaty Bear ?? (@sweatyinbkk) October 13, 2016

Source: Twitter.

Photo: Getty Images.