The business of mourning Thailand's queen mother

Clothing stores switch stock to sombre hues, seeking to capitalise on the nation's grief

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In a bustling Bangkok market, hundreds of wholesale vendors have been selling black clothing since dawn - several with hefty discounts in honour of Thailand's late former queen.

Rows of black T-shirts at a small stall hang near a banner reading “black shirts 40 baht” - a fraction of the usual price of 200 baht (S$8) to 500 baht - drawing a steady stream of shoppers.

“We sell at this price so all Thais can wear black to pay their respects to the Queen Mother,” said the business’ owner, Mr Thanachote Siripadungdech, who launched the promotion shortly after the palace announced former queen Sirikit’s death.

Queen Mother Sirikit, the mother of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, died on Oct 24 at the age of 93.

The royal family holds a central place in Thai society, with portraits of its members seen in homes, offices and public spaces across the country.

Since Queen Mother Sirikit’s death, the government has declared a yearlong mourning period for officials and urged the public to wear traditional Thai mourning colours of black or white for 90 days.

The Commerce Ministry has also warned businesses against price gouging, and set up a hotline for complaints.