Bangkok: Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced after a Cabinet meeting that Thailand has entered a national mourning period following the death of Queen Mother Sirikit. Consequently, he has canceled his scheduled trip to South Korea for the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Anutin stated that he needs to remain in Thailand to oversee funeral arrangements. Additionally, his planned official visit to Malaysia on Saturday has been canceled. However, he will travel to Malaysia on Sunday morning for the signing ceremony of the Thailand-Cambodia peace agreement and will return to Thailand immediately thereafter.

Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, will attend other ASEAN Summit meetings and related summits on behalf of Anutin. He will also represent Thailand at the APEC meeting in South Korea, as confirmed by Anutin.

Anutin further announced that all government departments, state-owned enterprises, and schools in Thailand will fly the national flag at half-mast for 30 days, starting from Saturday. Government officials and public servants are required to wear black clothing for a year to mourn, and the general public is advised to follow suit as appropriate. Anutin urged all sectors of society to reduce or suspend entertainment activities during this period.

The Bureau of the Royal Household announced the passing of Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit on Friday at the age of 93.