Thai PM cancels APEC attendance over queen mother's passing

BANGKOK - After concluding the Cabinet meeting on Saturday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told the media that Thailand has entered a national mourning period following the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit, and he has canceled his trip to South Korea to attend the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Anutin stated that, as he needs to stay in the country to preside over funeral arrangements during this period, his planned official visit to Malaysia scheduled for Saturday has also been canceled. He will travel to Malaysia on Sunday morning to attend the signing ceremony of the Thailand-Cambodia peace agreement, and then return to Thailand immediately.

Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow will attend other meetings of the ASEAN Summit and related summits on his behalf, said Anutin, adding that the foreign minister will also replace him for the APEC meeting in South Korea.

Anutin further announced that Thailand has entered a national mourning period. Starting from Saturday, all government departments, state-owned enterprises and schools will fly the national flag at half-mast for 30 days. Government officials and public servants are required to wear black clothing to mourn for one year and the general public is advised to cooperate as appropriate. He also urged all sectors of society to cooperate in suspending or reducing the organization of entertainment activities.

Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit passed away on Friday at the age of 93, the Bureau of the Royal Household announced.