1k-all-the-way

I did not go last year due to the protests. Thinking about this November again. Are things still as dicey these days or is their any more stability to the political situation?

Dr. HFH

Even during the height of the protests in the Spring, it was only dangerous for a fairly brief amount of time in a very limited geographic area. Essentially, you were fine if you stayed away from that neighborhood. And now? Go and enjoy.

seanthepilot

Thailand is fine for tourists. Not so fine if you're in politics.

In a country of 70 million people, the problems of last year were limited to several small areas of the country, many of which were in Bangkok. You could then, and still can avoid any political or safety issues without much trouble.

The underlying problems in Thailand run deep and have existed for a long time. They still have protests taking place, and government restrictions. Don't expect any quick solution. Nor should you expect it to ruin a good holiday.

In fact, the best time to visit Thailand may be this year, if you're looking for a deal. For example, our hotel has lowered it's rates to $15 per night. High season rates don't go much over doulble that.

Mix in cheap and delicious food, the weather, the culture, the diversity of having beaches, cities, small towns, luxury and budget accommodation, reliable medical care (in case of emergencies) and the relative safety as a tourist destination... you can't go wrong.

419er

Mrs. 419er and I just spent nearly 3 weeks in Bangkok (late July early August - with a weekend side trip to Surat Thani) and loved every minute. Other than the fact that you have to shop at Siam Paragon (love the 3rd floor automobile zone) instead of Central World, there were no issues whatsoever.

1k-all-the-way

Thanks. I was stuck there 2 years ago during the airport protests so it wasn't such a good experience, and i said i'd never go back. IS Siam square still a good location to stay or has it suffered much during the clashes last year?

CrazyInteg

Oh no! I forgot about that. Where will the beer festival be? That is one of my favorite things to do in Bangkok. It's like Asian Oktoberfest for two months. Can't beat that!!!!

jpatokal

...not anymore you don't: Central World is reopening by the end of the month. (Or so they claim.)

glennaa11

Right the part of CentralWorld they were able to fix quickly is supposed to open on 28 Sept. Obviously rebuilding Zen will take a while. I am guessing they will find a way to get the various beer gardens opened up again as well.

http://www.centralworld.co.th/Default-en.aspx

yosithezet

3/4 of that veranda where the beer gardens reside is open so I don't see that this will be an issue.

rwm818

Just spent the weekend in BKK - no problems at all. From the airport to downtown. Went around to MBK, Chitlom area, etc.

Everything fine - except for the $ to baht exchange rate!!!

holiosan

Yep, the exchange rate sucks. Off 10+ bht since my last visit.
On the up side, if you're near a consulate in the us, the 90 day tourist visas are free until the end of the year(as I remember). Does away with those pesky visa runs, visa renewals and airport bribe.....er, fines.....
Go, enjoy and don't look back.

dsquared37

How many years since you've been in Thailand? The exchange is hovering at 30B/USD and hasn't been 40B/USD in close to 5 years!

holiosan

Spring '05 during Songkran. Went and got married and responsible.
'00 to '05 it seemed to hover around 40-45, as I remember.
5 weeks there this year and resuming yearly Thai Yoga Massage study visits.
Nothing like being a student in Chiang Mai for a month to re-calibrate life.
Sabai, Sabai!!!

glennaa11

I seem to recall 40-45 baht to the dollar during my first visit in 2006. Been declining since then. I think last Nov it was around 35, now down to 30... How low can it go?

manneca

Was in BKK a week ago. Everything was fine. There had eveidently been a peaceful protest while we were in Bhutan a few days before, but nothing I could see was a problem.