ANTICIPATED OR TOTAL CLOSURES OF BANGKOK’S GRAND PALACE IN DECEMBER
The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok complex is one of the must visit places of any first trip in Thailand. The place being used for some royal ceremonies or tribute to the previous kings of Thailand and the clothes of the emerald Buddha being changed 3 times a year by the King in person, the place sometimes closes to tourists earlier or is completely closed a whole day. In December 2019, there will be three days when the doors will close at noon and one day when visiting Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) will not be possible at all.
EARLY CLOSINGS OF THE GRAND PALACE
On 4th, 5th and 7th December 2019, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew will therefore close to the public at noon instead of 3:30 pm in normal times.
If December 5, which was the birthday of King Bhumibol, father of the current King and also marks the date of Father’s Day in Thailand, will probably be the occasion of a tribute to the late monarch, I do not know the reasons for the other early closings.
CLOSED ON DECEMBER 12TH
On 12th December, Grand Palace and temple will be closed the all day.
December 12th will be the date of the procession of the Royal Barges and if for now no part of the ceremony has been announced as taking place in the Grand Palace or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the end of the procession on the river will be close to the building so it is likely more a security measure.
I try to communicate a little in advance these anticipated or exceptional closures on my Facebook page but it is not always easy to have the information. I would like to thank Kunrawee who sends me updates regularly.
