October 24 – It has been officially confirmed that Thailand’s World cup qualifier against Australia will go ahead as originally planned on November 15 but traditional chanting and vocal support has been banned out of respect for the year-long period of national mourning in memory of the 70-year reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Supporters have been encouraged to attend the game in Bangkok wearing black, grey or white, with all banners, drums and flags also prohibited.
King Adulyadej was the world’s longest-reigning monarch and was regarded by many Thais as semi-divine. The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) had initially sought to relocate the match or change the date but this was rejected.
“As the match coincides with a period of mourning following the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, FFA asks all Australian fans attending the match and who are in Thailand to be respectful of the local customs,” said a statement from the Australian Football Federation.
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