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
May 23, 2014, 7:01 am
#541
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: near BHD
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 24
I don't want to tell you what to do, as each person has different risk tolerances about situations like this. I will, however, give you my personal perspective. I live in Bangkok, which is considered the "most unstable" area of the country, and I would have absolutely zero qualms about a trip to Koh Samui. I have not heard of any political activity/conflict/instability in that area, and aside from the curfew - all reports indicate life has been going on as usual. During the coup in 2006 and the 2010 unrest, life went on as usual in Koh Samui as well.
We have plans for six separate visitors to stay with us in Bangkok over the next month, along with trips to Chiang Mai and Phuket. The situation here is stable for now, and we do not plan to make any changes to our visitors' travel unless things drastically spiral out of control. While nobody knows what the future will bring, I do not feel unsafe or in danger. Thailand is a beautiful country with such hospitable people - it would be a shame to miss out.
That said, you have to do what you think is right for you and your girlfriend. If the stress of traveling to a country under martial law would prevent you from relaxing and truly enjoying your vacation, then perhaps the Bahamas would be a more suitable location. Good luck in your decision making!
We have plans for six separate visitors to stay with us in Bangkok over the next month, along with trips to Chiang Mai and Phuket. The situation here is stable for now, and we do not plan to make any changes to our visitors' travel unless things drastically spiral out of control. While nobody knows what the future will bring, I do not feel unsafe or in danger. Thailand is a beautiful country with such hospitable people - it would be a shame to miss out.
That said, you have to do what you think is right for you and your girlfriend. If the stress of traveling to a country under martial law would prevent you from relaxing and truly enjoying your vacation, then perhaps the Bahamas would be a more suitable location. Good luck in your decision making!
I really appreciate your reply, thank you.
I've been on the phone to BA who the flights and holiday are booked through and will just wait and see what happens in the next few days.
Have a back up plan found just in case i have to change plans.
Thanks again for your reply.
Jonny
Last edited by jonnymcg; May 23, 2014 at 7:21 am
May 23, 2014, 7:13 am
#542
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
Programs: United 1k, Marriott Lifetime PE, Former DL Gold, Former SQ Solitaire, HH Gold
Posts: 11,886
There are anti military protests going on at Pathumwan intersection. Only about 100 people. I saw plenty of soldiers but they were just taking photos of the protesters. This was about 6:00 PM. Don't know how long the military will allow it to go on.
May 23, 2014, 7:15 am
#543
Join Date: May 2014
Location: BKK
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1P, SPG Plat75, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 7
I really appreciate your reply, thank you.
I've been on the phone to BA who the flights and holiday are booked through and will just wait and see what happens in the next few days.
Have a back up plan found just in case i have to change plans.
Thanks again for your reply.
Jonny
I've been on the phone to BA who the flights and holiday are booked through and will just wait and see what happens in the next few days.
Have a back up plan found just in case i have to change plans.
Thanks again for your reply.
Jonny
May 23, 2014, 9:47 am
#544
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: BKK
Programs: AA Plat, HH Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,395
U.S.. Embassy Bangkok Security Message for U.S. Citizens:
Security Situation in Thailand
Security Situation in Thailand
May 23, 2014
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok recommends that U.S. citizens reconsider any non-essential travel to Thailand, particularly Bangkok, due to ongoing political and social unrest and restrictions on internal movements, including an indefinite nighttime curfew.
On May 22, 2014 the Royal Thai Army announced it had seized control of the administration of the country and imposed a nationwide daily curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. until further notice, a ban on political gatherings, and restrictions on media. More restrictions may follow. As a result, U.S. citizens may encounter a heightened military presence throughout Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, as well as disruptions to traffic. Allow extra time for journeys, including to and from Bangkok airports. Public transportation and business operating hours may be curtailed without notice. Authorities have advised that the curfew does not apply to those travelling to or from the airport, but departing or arriving travelers should be prepared to present their passports and tickets to authorities upon request. U.S. citizens are advised to stay alert, exercise caution, and monitor international and Thai media that remains accessible. Avoid areas where there are protest events, large gatherings, or security operations and follow the instructions of Thai authorities. Although many protest activities have been peaceful, violent incidents involving guns and explosive devices have occurred at or near protest sites. Some have resulted in injury or death...
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok recommends that U.S. citizens reconsider any non-essential travel to Thailand, particularly Bangkok, due to ongoing political and social unrest and restrictions on internal movements, including an indefinite nighttime curfew.
On May 22, 2014 the Royal Thai Army announced it had seized control of the administration of the country and imposed a nationwide daily curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. until further notice, a ban on political gatherings, and restrictions on media. More restrictions may follow. As a result, U.S. citizens may encounter a heightened military presence throughout Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, as well as disruptions to traffic. Allow extra time for journeys, including to and from Bangkok airports. Public transportation and business operating hours may be curtailed without notice. Authorities have advised that the curfew does not apply to those travelling to or from the airport, but departing or arriving travelers should be prepared to present their passports and tickets to authorities upon request. U.S. citizens are advised to stay alert, exercise caution, and monitor international and Thai media that remains accessible. Avoid areas where there are protest events, large gatherings, or security operations and follow the instructions of Thai authorities. Although many protest activities have been peaceful, violent incidents involving guns and explosive devices have occurred at or near protest sites. Some have resulted in injury or death...
May 23, 2014, 1:24 pm
#545
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: trash airline program here
Posts: 83
My girlfriend and I just changed the first destination of our SE asia trip(starting next week) from bangkok to phnom phen. I have been closely watching things develop in Thailand, I just figured it was best to stay on the safe side(I understand its not that unsafe, but things could rapidly deteriorate). Hope to visit another time 
May 23, 2014, 2:28 pm
#546
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Plat MM, AA Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, IHG Plat, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 5,015
My girlfriend and I just changed the first destination of our SE asia trip(starting next week) from bangkok to phnom phen. I have been closely watching things develop in Thailand, I just figured it was best to stay on the safe side(I understand its not that unsafe, but things could rapidly deteriorate). Hope to visit another time
<redacted>
Last edited by aBroadAbroad; May 23, 2014 at 5:42 pm Reason: removed off-topic portion in conjunction with deletion of several similar off-topic posts
May 23, 2014, 5:56 pm
#548
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: trash airline program here
Posts: 83
Taking in the night markets and a night out or two around town was important to us. Also, we would have been arriving at almost 11pm and our arrangements for pickup would be complicated by the curfew. It was only a few days of a much larger trip, but yea im still sad to be missing bangkok this trip.
May 23, 2014, 6:21 pm
#549
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: NYC/PSP
Programs: AA EXP, A3 Gold
Posts: 4,106
But that's a HUGE downside. I honestly don't think safety is an issue, and not a reason to stay away. But why would a tourist want to visit a place where he has to be back in the hotel by a certain hour? That's not my idea of a vacation.
May 23, 2014, 7:05 pm
#550
Moderator, El Al and Marriott Bonvoy, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ*G, Mar LTT, Hyatt Glb, AA LTG, LY, HH, IC, BA, DL, UA SLV
Posts: 12,018
There are some rumors on Richard Barrow's FB feed that the curfew will salty to easy Sunday and end by Wednesday. I would hold off on changing plans.
May 23, 2014, 7:09 pm
#551
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Seattle & Seoul.... and now, Maastricht....
Programs: UA Mileage Plus, NWA WorldPerks deserter, Alaska Airlines Something-er-Other...
Posts: 1,888
, only to have to constantly check the time and make sure I had enough of it to get a taxi back to the hotel before 10:00pm. 
Going to BKK and not staying out late is like going to Hawaii and not going to the beach.
Still great and all, but.......
May 23, 2014, 7:54 pm
#552
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Kingdom of the Sun
Programs: DL GM/MM
Posts: 3,708
FYI, arrived via BKK to Phuket yesterday and all is quiet down here. Have only seen one soldier in the street near Phuket, no overt police presence. The first night, I've been told, streets were deserted at 2200. Last night, almost as active as ever even past 2300.
CNN is not blacked out at my hotel. Neither are several other foreign language news channels. Cartoon Network is operational! Overall about half the channels are blocked.
CNN is not blacked out at my hotel. Neither are several other foreign language news channels. Cartoon Network is operational! Overall about half the channels are blocked.
May 23, 2014, 9:51 pm
#554
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
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Posts: 56,467
The risk of being caught in violence seems sufficiently remote not to affect my decision making.
But the curfew is 100% not consistent with my idea of "vacation."
May 24, 2014, 1:49 am
#555
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
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Posts: 29,682
i hope the rumors are true....even though i'll be there for work next week, its no fun being back in the hotel by 10pm every night....