Thailand's Prime Minister Cancels Attendance at APEC Leaders' Informal Meeting

After concluding a cabinet meeting on the 25th, Thai Prime Minister Anutin announced to the media that due to the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit, the nation has entered a period of mourning. He personally canceled his plans to attend the 32nd APEC Leaders' Informal Meeting in South Korea.

A notice issued by the Thai Prime Minister's Office indicated that the Prime Minister will serve as chairman of the state funeral preparation committee. Anutin stated that because he needs to remain in the country to oversee funeral arrangements, his official visit to Malaysia originally scheduled for the 25th has also been canceled. He will travel to Malaysia on the morning of the 26th to attend a signing ceremony regarding a joint statement on peace guidelines between Thailand and Cambodia and return to Thailand immediately afterward. Other meetings of the ASEAN Summit and the APEC Leaders' Informal Meeting will be attended by Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow as his representative.

On the 25th, Anutin also declared that the entire country enters a mourning period effective immediately. All government agencies, state-owned enterprises, hospitals, schools, and state institutions will fly flags at half-mast for 30 days; government officials and civil servants are required to wear black mourning attire for one year; the general public is advised to observe mourning guidelines according to their personal circumstances within 90 days. He called on all sectors to suspend or reduce entertainment activities such as concerts for 30 days.