Thai safety concerns
#2
Join Date: Mar 2014
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It's your decision. November is light years away.
All you'll get on travel forum is opinions
If you've got doubts then there's plenty of options, and you can always leave Thailand for another time
All you'll get on travel forum is opinions
If you've got doubts then there's plenty of options, and you can always leave Thailand for another time
#6
I was in BKK this past January and at the end of Feb. I followed the news and blogs closely before deciding to go ahead with the trip Once there the political activities were minor inconveniences. Overall I felt safe. We stayed on the river far from the rally sites though we did go by them enroute to various places. I think if one goes to BKK frequently one might feel far more comfortable than those of us who are first time or infrequent visitors. BKK is not a city I know well at all and that made me more hesitant to go. However, once there I felt ok and was glad I didn't change my plans. Monitor developments and be sure you can cancel any reservations you might make. Or regroup and go elsewhere. Thailand will be there for a future trip.
#10
Join Date: Aug 2003
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andie, if you are worried about thailand, maybe you should consider visiting other cities such as baltimore, east la, detroit, nyc, miami,etc.
yes, indeed, an alternative might be wise. how about new orleans?
yes, indeed, an alternative might be wise. how about new orleans?
#11
I was also there in January and, like yestravel, had many concerns for safety. We, too, found that we were able to enjoy ourselves and protests impacted us minimally.
HOWEVER, we were also aware of the constantly changing nature of the political situation, and were prepared with the possibility that the situation could escalate at any moment. Given the most recent news of a military coup today, I, too, would be reluctant - at the very least, cautious - to plan a trip to Thailand today. I truly have no idea what that would mean for tourism now, so do monitor the situation carefully, as yestravel recommends, to see how the situation unfolds.
HOWEVER, we were also aware of the constantly changing nature of the political situation, and were prepared with the possibility that the situation could escalate at any moment. Given the most recent news of a military coup today, I, too, would be reluctant - at the very least, cautious - to plan a trip to Thailand today. I truly have no idea what that would mean for tourism now, so do monitor the situation carefully, as yestravel recommends, to see how the situation unfolds.
#12
Join Date: Jul 2003
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News this morning is of a coup by the military. A curfew has been instituted, 10 pm to 5 am. Wondering how people who fly into BKK after 10 pm will then get into the city. BTS will close at 9 pm.
I still plan to go to Bangkok in July and December. Tourists have not been targeted. As mentioned above, it pays to keep aware of the changing nature of the situation and to make a secondary plan if necessary.
I still plan to go to Bangkok in July and December. Tourists have not been targeted. As mentioned above, it pays to keep aware of the changing nature of the situation and to make a secondary plan if necessary.
#14
Join Date: May 2004
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The US State Dept: warned against non- essential travel to. Thailand yesterday:
"The U.S. Department of State 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 throughout Thailand."
The UK FCO currently do not advise against travel but have issued warning to stay away from protest sights and not breech curfew etc.
The Thai army have now placed travel bans on 150 individuals and taken TV stations off air. They have also issued warnings re social media.
How long this situation will continue or when it will be resolved or may escalate is anyone's guess. Always wise to consider alternatives even if you chose not to implement them. If you have travel insurance in place then that will be reassuring, if not, taking out a policy now is unlikely to cover you for the current problems
"The U.S. Department of State 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 throughout Thailand."
The UK FCO currently do not advise against travel but have issued warning to stay away from protest sights and not breech curfew etc.
The Thai army have now placed travel bans on 150 individuals and taken TV stations off air. They have also issued warnings re social media.
How long this situation will continue or when it will be resolved or may escalate is anyone's guess. Always wise to consider alternatives even if you chose not to implement them. If you have travel insurance in place then that will be reassuring, if not, taking out a policy now is unlikely to cover you for the current problems
#15
Join Date: Jul 2013
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Interesting, I just checked the Australian Govt website, which advises "exercise a high degree of caution" which is only number 2 of 4 recommendations (with number 4 being - do not travel). It does mention observing curfew and avoiding crowds of protesters.
Travel insurance in Oz is largely negated by this type of occurrence. Might be okay if your tour was cancelled, but self cancelling would be seen as your choice and not covered.
Jeez, I hope they sort things out soon. The curfew must be killing many of the late night venues.
Still planning to go back in September, of course monitoring the situation as it evolves.
Andie, it wouldn't be a bad idea to work up plan B.
Travel insurance in Oz is largely negated by this type of occurrence. Might be okay if your tour was cancelled, but self cancelling would be seen as your choice and not covered.
Jeez, I hope they sort things out soon. The curfew must be killing many of the late night venues.
Still planning to go back in September, of course monitoring the situation as it evolves.
Andie, it wouldn't be a bad idea to work up plan B.
#17
Join Date: May 2004
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We are planning to return to SE Asia in October or November en route to Oz next year. I haven't booked flights yet but am thinking we may consider KL rather than BKK as our hub and use Air Asia. To get around.
If this continues then, on past experience, air fares into BKK may fall substantially which may be tempting but until thing become clearer, it could be a bit of a gamble.
Hopefully the situation will be resolved and democracy restored, sooner rather than later and without bloodshed.
If this continues then, on past experience, air fares into BKK may fall substantially which may be tempting but until thing become clearer, it could be a bit of a gamble.
Hopefully the situation will be resolved and democracy restored, sooner rather than later and without bloodshed.
#19
Join Date: Jul 2003
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I generally don't like tweets on twitter because they don't give much information, but I am reading Richard Barrow's tweets every few hours or so. Hopefully social media isn't shut down, as his bits of information are helping me a lot. I still have no plans to cancel or change my July trip plans.