Stores, cinemas, post office, banks and stock market have announced a day-off on the King Bhumibol’s cremation day so that their employees can join the historic event.
On 16 October 2017, CP Group announced that 7-11, the most popular 24/7 convenience store of the country, and other stores under CP Group will be out of service nationwide on 26 October -- the late King’s cremation day. The company stated that it wants their staff to participate in the mourning during the historic ceremony.
“In the period of sorrow of Thailand, CP Group would like to join Thai people in showing loyalty and mourning to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej...in order that our staff can participate in the mourning during the cremation,” read CP Group statement.
As the late King’s cremation approaches, various companies have announced a day-off on 26 October to allow their employees to take part in the King’s mourning. Most of their shops will be closed on that day except airport branches.
The companies that have already announced a day-off include Tesco Lotus, Thai Public Broadcasting Service, Advance Info Service, Major Cineplex, Index Living Mall, Central Department Store, Thai Military Bank and Kasikorn Bank.
Not only private companies, some state businesses, like Thailand Post Office and Stock Exchange of Thailand, have also announced a day-off.
However, some businesses have announced that they will provide service on the cremation day in order to facilitate the ceremony.
On 17 October, Pata Department Store announced that it will be available on 26 October because it is the nearest department store to the cremation ceremony so that people can stop by and take a rest at the store during their journey to the ceremony. Central Plaza Rama II branch will also provide a service on that they as it has to deliver artificial flowers to the ceremony.
A closed 7-11 (Photo from Pantip)