chichichicago

We will arrive in BKK this Saturday - Jan 11 at midnight. We will fly to Sri Lanka at 11 PM on Sunday Jan 12. We are currently booked at the Sukothai - and had planned to relax, shop, have dinner - then head to the airport. Today's WSJ reports that the opposition is planning to try to rally thousands of protesters to close down 20 major intersections starting January 13. If they stick to that game plan I think we will be fine. However there is also a picture of thousands of people swarming a street. ( not sure where this is taking place)

My question/concern is this. I do not want to miss our flight to Sri Lanka. Does anyone have an opinion about the location of the Sukothai Hotel- and if we are risking not being able to get out of the area and to the airport? We can easily change to another hotel- or stay by the airport.

Thanks for any help or insight!

crellston

From what I remember the Sukothai is not too far from the expressway and is probably better positioned for the airport than many hotels, so I suppose it really depends on whether the protesters target that intersection and, if they do, when they set up there. I suppose it is anyone's guess. Have you asked the hotel for an opinion and whether they have any contingency plans in place to get their guests to the airport.. Maybe worth booking a hotel car in advance?

rhkkmk

Suk is on sathorn rd. it could easily be the site of demonstrations.

but you are leaving the day before so what is your issue? I think you will be fine.

if you are overcerned then I would stay at the hotel airport and just taxi into bkk on sunday for your pleasure

rhkkmk

or take the skytrain to bkk

chichichicago

Thanks crellston - I had thought about asking the hotel but wasnt sure they would give me a straight answer. Tourism is already down in Bangkok. That said probably worth inquiring.

rhkkmk - as I indicated - the article claims they intend to start the protest the day after I leave - but the article in todays WSJ showed a picture of a mass demonstration. Hence my question.

If I find anything out from the hotel I will post it.

dgunbug

Worse scenario - you are stuck in the airport. If there is an airport hotel, I would try changing reservations today so that you have a place to rest if you can't leave airport.

yestravel

I have been following the BKK events for quite awhile as we arrive on the 17th. I don't think anyone can tell you at this point what will be. If it was me, I would do as rhkkmk suggests. Stay at the airport hotel and take the train into the city, we did that our last trip because we had an early am flight, it was easy. The Novotel, while not inexpensive is a perfectly ok hotel.

thursdaysd

You'll get more up-to-date info here than on the WSJ: twitter.com/richardbarrow

Kathie

I wouldn't take the photos in the WSJ too seriously - you don't know when or where it was taken. Often file photos are used - no knowing whether the photo is from this year!

Hanuman

chichichicago - no major demonstration is planned for this weekend and the photo you saw was most likely from last Sunday when there was a peaceful march around Bangkok. IMO you will be fine at the Sukhothai hotel.

chichichicago

Good point on the WSJ pic....I adore Bangkok- would prefer to stay in the city there as opposed to airport. Oddly- the Sukothai concierge has not responded to emails from yesterday ( dinner reservation and car request) or today .

Again...if I hear anything noteworthy I will post it.

Will look at the twitter post - thanks again to all.

Frances

Forgive me for butting in on this, I have just read it in Napier New Zealand.
Our route home to the U.K. is on Thai and we are due in arrive in Bangkok at about 10pm on the 14th with a reservation that night at the Buthorn .We leave just after midnight on the 16th. We established on the way out that the skytrain stops at about 7pm. I don't see a problem in going to the airport earlier by skytrain but we shall have to make our own way to the canal boat I take it.
I am unable to access the twitter info. Is there anywhere I can see where these blockades will be or should I go on the basis that it WILL cause me a problem
With thanks

Frances

A further thought- are there left luggage facilities at the airport, ? Just wondering if we could leave our luggage there when we arrive from Auckland and just take an overnight bag to the hotel. That would make it much easier if we have to hoof it part of the way back to the skytrain/airport

Hanuman

Frances - http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/...ary-13-planner

Hanuman

And yes there's are left luggage facilities at both BKK and DMK airports.

Hanuman

Here's the same map with better explanation: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...ok-battle-plan

Also, there are talks of expanding the shut down to the Western side of Bangkok or the areas known as "Thonburi".

progol

Frances,
You might be able to follow Richard Barrow on his website: http://www.richardbarrow.com/

It has the twitter feed on the right side, too.

I've noticed that there are only 6 confirmed rally sites in the latest update, although originally 20 were listed on the map. This still could change, of course, but it should make it a little easier to get around (I hope).

Hanuman

progol - here's the map is accurate as of today and here's another version which explain about the 6 or 7 sites: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater

Hanuman

Typo! Meant to write "progol - The map I posted a link to earlier is accurate as of today......"

Frances

I am very grateful to you for your help and I have now been able to access the Richard Barrow website. Wi-fi is not universally available in New Zealand but we have now arrived at a hotel which has it
I see there was a demonstration yesterday "near Bangkok" but I don't know where or why. The feeling I have is that we may not know much more until Monday. We are due to fly from New Zealand on Tuesday at 14.30 and given the time difference things may be unfolding as we are in the air. I am slightly alarmed at the talk of a coup.
Can I ask those of you who are in Bangkok please to keep us updated?
With many thanks