Tourists in Bangkok may be better off not to leave hotels during upcoming protests Tourists in Bangkok may be better off not to leave hotels during upcoming protests Nov 23, 2013 Air travelers to Bangkok have been warned to expect heavy road traffic and a lack of taxis resulting from the political protests in Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport officials said on Sunday. The airport train, Skytrain or pre arranged transportation may be the best option. This is in anticipation of major political protests in Bangkok. The leaders of the three main anti-government protest groups on Saturday joined forces, vowing to fight shoulder-to-shoulder to uproot former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatras political networks. Tt was the first time the protest leaders have appeared on the same stage together, despite their three rally sites being situated in close proximity. In the past no tourists had ever been hurt in demonstrations in Bangkok, but transportation will be a challenge and many tourism sites, shopping malls and other attractions may close. Hotels in downtown Bangkok have experience dealing with such security threats and visitors in Bangkok may select to enjoy to stay at their hotels. On Saturday the situation for tourists in Bangkok was ok. TAT, the tourism Authority of Thailand issued this report: he demonstrations in Bangkok have been peaceful and are mainly taking places at the Democracy Monument, Phan Fa Bridge and Makkawan Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The marching of the protestor group at Makkawan Bridge to some other parts of Bangkok today may disrupt traffic at certain times. Life in Bangkok and all other areas of Thailand continues as per normal. Tourist attractions and activities as well as businesses in Bangkok and other provinces are not affected, and continue as usual as seen in these THAI LIVE CAM streaming cameras that present a number of stunning preset views of Thailand’s most famous and popular destinations including Chiang Mai, Ko Samui and Nong Khai. Given the rallies on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, which is near Government House and the Parliament, roads around or within the areas may be temporarily closed to traffic. While travelling within Bangkok and its vicinity, tourists are advised to check travel route and traffic situation as well as avoid areas where crowds may gather. This is because there may be traffic disruptions or delays and thus causing inconvenience. Security has also been stepped up at importance places in Bangkok, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies and airports, and other provinces’ administration halls to prevent ill-intentioned people from inciting violence. Tourists need not be alarmed of the presence of security forces and checkpoints in Bangkok. Police are deployed to provide security in the city. Traffic police are also stepping up efforts to ensure traffic flow in the city. As a precautionary step to ensure order in Bangkok, the Thai Cabinet has approved the use of the Internal Security Act in three districts - Dusit, Phra Nakhon and Pom Prap Sattru Phai or areas surrounding the Government House and Parliament - until 30 November 2013. In addition, the Ministry of Interior has authorised provincial governors to invoke the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act, where and when necessary, also as a precautionary measure to ensure law and order. Both laws do not prohibit nor obstruct peaceful demonstration held within the bounds of the law, but they enable security agencies - police, military and civilian - to effectively prevent and mitigate, as much as possible, undue disruption or impact on the safety of the general public. Thailand’s main gateway, Suvarnabhumi Airport, in Bangkok and all other international and domestic airports throughout the country are operating as per normal. Transportation to and from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports into central Bangkok as well as into tourist destinations southeast and southwest of Bangkok; such as, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ko Samet and Ko Chang are operating as per normal. The State Railway of Thailand and the Transport Co., Ltd., (inter-provincial bus service) are operating as per normal. International and domestic airlines are operating flights between Bangkok and Thai cities, as well as destinations around the world, as per normal.
Posted on: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 09:08:11 +0000
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