Thailand joins the world in honouring Queen Elizabeth II

Thailand is joining the world in honouring the UK’s Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away yesterday. The Thai government has now ordered all departments to lower their flags to half mast for three days in her honour, starting on September 11.

The Queen had had warm relations with Thailand’s late King, His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej. In the past, she had visited Thailand, and praised the King for helping Thailand become sophisticated and modern, while maintaining its ancient culture.

Queen Elizabeth II passed away at 96 years old at Balmoral Palace in Scotland. She was the world’s second longest reigning monarch in history, having reigned 70 years. The British Royal Family announced her death on Twitter, saying that she died peacefully, although the family didn’t specify the cause.

Since the Queen’s death, crowds of her supporters have cried outside of Buckingham Palace in London. The Queen leaves behind a strong legacy around the world. She has been the subject of several TV series and movies, such as “The Crown”. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Queen addressed the public, urging people to show “self discipline” and “good humoured resolve”.

The UK’s royal history and sites have drawn tourists from around the world. More than 50,000 people visit Buckingham Palace each year as guests to State banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions and Garden Parties. A 2016 global survey by Travelzoo revealed that 59% of Italian visitors to the UK cited the Royal family as one of the factors that makes the UK an attractive holiday destination. That number was 49% for Canadian tourists, and 48% for American tourists.

Travelzoo’s European Head of Communications, Louise Hodges, Buckingham Palace and the Royal Palaces contributed £55 million to the UK economy in 2014, attracting 2.5 million paying visitors.

SOURCE: Bangkok Biz News | BBC | NBC | Royal UK | Travel Daily Media | Associated Press