Dress code for officials marking King’s 65th birthday

The monarch will turn 65 on July 28. 
The Office of the Permanent Secretary for the PM’s Office explains said the black ribbon symbolises the continued mourning over the passing of the current monarch’s father, HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The office posted the dress code guideline on Facebook but makes it clear that it does not apply to members of the public. 
“People in general are not required to comply with this dress rule,” it says.
The government has planned to organise alms-giving ceremonies across the country to celebrate the King’s birthday on Friday morning. 
Similar rituals will also be held at Thai embassies and Thai temples overseas. 
In a related development, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has vowed to facilitate all activities that are held in honour of the King. 
Military units are now instructed to conduct volunteer activities in the King’s honour between July 28 and August 3.