What's Thailand like lately?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: San Francisco
Programs: 1K 2.2MM
Posts: 2,352
What's Thailand like lately?
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?
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
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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.
#3
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
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.
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.
#4
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
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Posts: 266
Fantastic
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.
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: San Francisco
Programs: 1K 2.2MM
Posts: 2,352
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?
#6
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,674
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!!!!
#7
Join Date: Sep 2003
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#8
Join Date: Jan 2006
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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
http://www.centralworld.co.th/Default-en.aspx
#9
Moderator, El Al and Marriott Bonvoy, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
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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
http://www.centralworld.co.th/Default-en.aspx
#10
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: MD, USA
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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!!!
Everything fine - except for the $ to baht exchange rate!!!
#11
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CT
Programs: AA EXP, UA, DL Gold, ANA Plat
Posts: 157
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.
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.
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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#13
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CT
Programs: AA EXP, UA, DL Gold, ANA Plat
Posts: 157
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!!!
'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!!!