BANGKOK (AFP) – The Football Association of Thailand has said it may hold a World Cup qualifier behind closed doors while the nation mourns King Bhumibol Adulyadej and all forms of entertainment are reined in.
The venue for the November 15 tie against Australia was cast into doubt after the Thai king, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, died last Thursday and plunged the kingdom into intense grief.
Dozens of sporting events, as well as concerts and other festivals, have since been cancelled with the public urged to refrain from overt celebrations during an initial 30-day mourning period.