Dec 7, 2013, 1:13 pm
Last edit by: aBroadAbroad
This thread is for posting questions and specific news/updates of direct relevance to those traveling in or to the area.
Discussion of underlying and peripheral issues, comparisons to similar past events, and speculation about future conditions
belong in OMNI/PR or the Thai News & Open Discussion Thread. Off-topic posts will be moved or deleted.
Thanks for your assistance.
Discussion of underlying and peripheral issues, comparisons to similar past events, and speculation about future conditions
belong in OMNI/PR or the Thai News & Open Discussion Thread. Off-topic posts will be moved or deleted.
Thanks for your assistance.
Update
13 June 2014:
Curfew has been lifted nationwide.
Travel advisories issued by a number of foreign governments remain in place. Check your country's embassy or consular website for travel advice and updates.
Courts martial have been established for violators of criminal code sections dealing with lèse-majesté, and those covering the broad subject of "national security" (including civilian violators). The NCPO has warned that it will crackdown on anti-coup protests if they do not cease. Visitors are strongly advised to stay away from all political gatherings.
Media gag has been eased, but strict censorship orders are in place, with local press and broadcast outlets reporting only approved content. ISPs have been ordered to monitor social media, and to block disruptive or "negative" content. Accurate and comprehensive information remains difficult to obtain, both in and out of the country. Censorship violations are among those subject to courts martial.
Hotlines for Tourists in Thailand
- TAT Call Centre 1672
- Tourist Police Call Centre 1155
- Traffic Police Call Centre 1197
- BMTA (city bus and van service) Call Centre 1348
- BTS Hotline +66 (0) 2617 6000
- MRT Customer Relations Center +66 (0) 2624 5200
- SRT (train service) Call Centre 1690
- Transport Co., Ltd., (inter-provincial bus service) Call Centre 1490
- AOT (Suvarnabhumi Airport) Call Centre 1722
- Thai Airways International Call Centre +66 (0) 2356 1111
- Bangkok Airways Call Centre 1771
- Nok Air Call Centre 1318
- Thai AirAsia Call Centre +66 (0) 2515 9999
Links to External Information Sources
- Rolling breaking news updates: Bangkok Post Lite Version (might load better than the full site for some users)
- Updates from TAT News: Tourism Authority of Thailand
- Breaking News: Thai PBS
- Latest News from NNT: National News Bureau of Thailand (government public relations)
- Travel blogger Richard Barrow: Thai news twitter feed (ongoing updates)
- Richard Barrow's map: Protest Sites in Bangkok in May 2014 (updated regularly)
- Independent web-based Thai news publication: Prachatai - Coup 2014 (English)
Special thanks to FTer c_9 for initiating this Wikipost
Safety of Travel in Thailand 2014 — Martial Law, Peaceful Military Coup
Jan 22, 2014, 9:40 am
#151
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Jan 22, 2014, 10:39 am
#152
Join Date: Dec 2001
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If you simply ignore everything that's happening your expectation might be justified. But just as easily you might find a completely different situation.
Simply hoping the current situation might last is a bit naive. Just as assuming the worst might happen is probably a bit pessimistic.
Simply hoping the current situation might last is a bit naive. Just as assuming the worst might happen is probably a bit pessimistic.
The wiki above has a good Twitter group with on-the-ground news feeds. A friend has been in Bangkok for the past two days and did not change travel plans. She noticed nothing out of the ordinary. She did not visit protest sites. And for those with plans to pass through BKK airport, their chances of encountering anything out of the ordinary are far greater at O'Hare Chicago.
I know that everyone's tolerance for uncertainty is different.
On a lighter note, from RT @travel_snap: This mob certainly aren't respecting the SOE ... causing mayhem on Rama 9 road this evening!
Last edited by BangkokTraveler; Jan 22, 2014 at 11:33 am
Jan 22, 2014, 11:12 am
#153
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Between AMS and BRU
Posts: 8,852
I just came back from Bangkok a few days ago, yes not much of a problem for tourists even downtown. Even somewhat of a party mood. But I also saw a lot of people I would categorize as thugs and I could easily see it going violent. That's why I think it's sound advice to not go looking for (possible) trouble if you can help it. Especially when on vacation....
Last edited by RTW1; Jan 22, 2014 at 11:20 am
Jan 22, 2014, 4:08 pm
#154
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: DL PM, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 47
Ugh ... have planned a 2 day layover on our way to Ko Samui at the beginning of February. I can cancel the layover and go straight to Ko Samui and extend our time there from 4 to 6 days if needed. However, this was going to be our first time in Bangkok and we were really looking forward to it. Just trying to delay this decision until the last possible moment.
Anyone have any advice?
Anyone have any advice?
I hope all remains calm and everyone has a great trip!
Jan 22, 2014, 10:05 pm
#155
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20 years ago I used to fly here on Delta. Then they cancelled. Again, flights were always full.
Oh well.
Jan 23, 2014, 2:04 am
#157
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Jan 23, 2014, 8:13 am
#158
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Check out Richard Barrow's twitter feed and website (links at top of this page) - he regularly shows photos, maps, and explains that tourist activity is not very impacted. Some hotels (including the Intercontinental) are inaccessible to taxis, but Skytrain is fine, for example.
If going to Bangkok, just avoid those areas - most of the city seems untouched and completely normal.
If going to Bangkok, just avoid those areas - most of the city seems untouched and completely normal.
Jan 23, 2014, 12:06 pm
#159
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Those ARE dangerous cities.
I would cancel a holiday to Kiev at the momet, but not Bangkok.
Jan 23, 2014, 12:19 pm
#160
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Jan 23, 2014, 12:54 pm
#161
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Leaving for BKK on Saturday. Are any hotels, restaurants, stores, etc. offering special discounts given the decrease in visitors?
Jan 23, 2014, 9:06 pm
#163
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Jan 23, 2014, 9:09 pm
#164
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Jan 23, 2014, 11:52 pm
#165
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Actually, I was more worried about shops, restaurants and sights being either closed or not easily accessible. Getting to the Chatuchak market and having half the stalls closed and nobody there... not being able to access the Grand Palace without having to walk thru a protest crowd....
I'd say if you are a typical tourist going for a "fun weekend" (or a mileage run like me), there are better places to spend a few days. Who needs the hassles?
If you're just set to go on some boring business meetings anyway, yeah, go. I'm sure its fine.
I'd say if you are a typical tourist going for a "fun weekend" (or a mileage run like me), there are better places to spend a few days. Who needs the hassles?
If you're just set to go on some boring business meetings anyway, yeah, go. I'm sure its fine.
Last edited by chavala; Jan 23, 2014 at 11:52 pm Reason: sp