IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Government offices are scheduled to reopen Monday following a half-day closure Friday to allow for government workers to participate in ceremonies honoring King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose death was announced Thursday.

What does the change mean? Those in need of visas, work permits or other immigration services may experience minor delays when offices, including the One Stop Service Center and Labour Department and Immigration Bureau offices, reopen Monday.

  • Implementation time frame:Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected:All visas, permits and other government services.
  • Who is affected:Anyone in need of immigration services in Thailand.
  • Business impact:Businesses may need to make slight adjustments to their schedules to account for possible delays.

Background: Authorities announced Thursday that King Bhumibol, 88, a beloved figure in Thailand and the world’s longest serving monarch, had died. The BBC reported that Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said in televised remarks that Thailand would hold a year-long mourning period and that public entertainment would be “toned down” for a month. Government offices were closed Friday afternoon, but are expected to reopen and observe normal hours Monday.

BAL Analysis: Those in need of immigration services may experience minor delays when offices reopen next week.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in Singapore. For additional information, please contact singapore@bal.com. Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP.

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