Thailand Tames Infamous Nightlife as It Mourns King

Thailand's notorious nightlife has been ordered to clean up its act for a month out of respect for revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away on Thursday.

Minutes after the ailing monarch's passing was announced by the palace, Thailand's junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha took to national television to announce a one-year official mourning period.

He added: "All entertainment functions must tone it down for 30 days." 

It is common in Thailand for bars to shutter and convenience stores to stop serving alcohol following the death of a senior royal member or revered Buddhist monk.

This can often cause confusion and surprise among foreign visitors expecting to see heaving bars.

Bangkok's notorious red light districts had already begun shutting up shop on Thursday evening as news of the king's passing spread.

Bangkok Stickboy, a blog focused on the capital's nightlife, posted a picture of the capital's famously debauched Nana Plaza bar complex entirely empty, its usually pounding bars closed.

Advisory firm Bower Group Asia said the sombre mood would clip economic activity in the kingdom.

"Business and politics in Thailand will likely slow to a crawl. Employers will be faced with increased employee absenteeism and reduced productivity," it said.

"Businesses will also experience a temporary drop in sales as Thais limit consumption during the mourning period. There will almost certainly be a temporary ban in alcohol sales."

Tourism remains one of the Thai economy's few bright spots. 

A record 32 million visitors are expected to travel to the kingdom this year, up from 30 million last year. 

Some 10 million come from China.

Bhumibol's death comes just a few months ahead of the vital three-month long peak tourism season which begins in December.