Bangkok trip the 2nd week in July advisable?
Jun 14th, 2011, 07:59 AM
#1
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Bangkok trip the 2nd week in July advisable?
While in China for the month of July, we have a free week from 9-16 July that we were hoping to spend in Bangkok. Now, reading about the July 3 Thai elections is making us wonder if we should postpone the trip to Bangkok and go elsewhere that week.
Any informed advice available about the likelihood of unrest surrounding the elections and the advisability of travel to Bangkok then?
Any informed advice available about the likelihood of unrest surrounding the elections and the advisability of travel to Bangkok then?
Jun 14th, 2011, 01:25 PM
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Thank you for the replies thus far. I am hoping to hear Hanuman's point of view, Kathie. We will go certainly back at some point -- the question is whether these particular dates are ill chosen in light of the July 3 election.
Bob, what qualifies as "away from any government areas"? I don't know enough about the city to interpret that.
Bob, what qualifies as "away from any government areas"? I don't know enough about the city to interpret that.
Jun 14th, 2011, 05:30 PM
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I am not a fortune teller but so far I don't foresee any unrest like those of last year's. The opposition party, Thaksin's party, will probably win the most seats but I don't know if they can form a government without the support of the smaller parties. Also, both side and the general public want reconciliation.
So far everyone has left the monarchy out of the debate so that's a good indication that there will be no trouble - fingers crossed!
Marya I am pretty sure that will be safe for you to come and even if there was any unrest nobody target tourists.
So far everyone has left the monarchy out of the debate so that's a good indication that there will be no trouble - fingers crossed!
Marya I am pretty sure that will be safe for you to come and even if there was any unrest nobody target tourists.
Jun 14th, 2011, 06:40 PM
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Thanks, Hanuman.
I am not actually worried about personal safety -- my concern is more directed at unrest that would shut down the airport or lead to other systems problems that would hamper our ability to get back to China on time for work commitments.
We are going to delay a bit. The goal is to have a very leisurely week filled with reading by the pool and good meals in between two hectic weeks in Beijing and Xi'an.
I am not actually worried about personal safety -- my concern is more directed at unrest that would shut down the airport or lead to other systems problems that would hamper our ability to get back to China on time for work commitments.
We are going to delay a bit. The goal is to have a very leisurely week filled with reading by the pool and good meals in between two hectic weeks in Beijing and Xi'an.
Jun 15th, 2011, 06:16 AM
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as usual in times or strife or normal times, i always encourgage stays on the river: anantara (former marriott), ROS, shangri-la, new ibis (budget), hilton, chatrium suites (a very good choice).
in addition any place along sukhumvit and its sois: jw marriott, majestic grande, landmark, sheraton grande, westin, sofitel, adelphi suites, marriott sukhumvit park to name a few.
also those hotels along wireless/plenochit: 4 seasons, hyatt, renaissance (great summer rate), courtyard, st regis, marriott mayfair (a favorite on a wonderful street) and many more.
in addition any place along sukhumvit and its sois: jw marriott, majestic grande, landmark, sheraton grande, westin, sofitel, adelphi suites, marriott sukhumvit park to name a few.
also those hotels along wireless/plenochit: 4 seasons, hyatt, renaissance (great summer rate), courtyard, st regis, marriott mayfair (a favorite on a wonderful street) and many more.
Jun 15th, 2011, 07:52 AM
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There will be no repeat of the airport shut down as some elements of the current government were involved with the yellow-shirts when they were in opposition. The red-shirts won't be allowed to take over the airport by the military and there won't be a repeat of last year's turmoil as the Reds were badly banged up and their leaders jailed by the current regime. Yes, there might be some minor disruptions and inconveniences (such as expressway shut down, demonstrations at Ratchaprasong, etc.) but nothing at the scale seen in the past 2-3 years.
Jun 15th, 2011, 08:15 AM
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Hoping things are calm when I am in BKK approximately the last two weeks of July. If things heat up, I may not try to snag a last-minute free ticket to go. Hanuman, please keep us informed here.
Carol
Carol
Jun 15th, 2011, 08:28 AM
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I might choose to go elsewhere, mostly because I hate to have to worry about demonstrations and political stuff when I'm on vacation.
The idea that the area around the Four Seasons is trouble-free is not really correct. Last month, there was a rally of 10,000 redshirts on Ratchaprasong from the Four Seasons to the Pratunam intersection. And of course that was also one of the centers of the troubles last year.
Every indication is that a substantial majority of Thais want no part of the disruptions that took place last year. But, it only takes a relative handful of people to create a lot of aggravation, and partisans of both sides have shown a willingness to be demonstrative and disruptive.
All that said, even though the election is in early July, the potential for public demonstrations might well be greatest in August, as that's when the new House would meet to actually elect a P.M. and form a government. The unknown factor is whether the military will do anything to affect the result.
There's certainly potential for some level of disruption. If the past is a guide to the future, it's very likely that tourists who pay attention can avoid being affected. Overall, though, it might be better to put off BKK to another time.
The idea that the area around the Four Seasons is trouble-free is not really correct. Last month, there was a rally of 10,000 redshirts on Ratchaprasong from the Four Seasons to the Pratunam intersection. And of course that was also one of the centers of the troubles last year.
Every indication is that a substantial majority of Thais want no part of the disruptions that took place last year. But, it only takes a relative handful of people to create a lot of aggravation, and partisans of both sides have shown a willingness to be demonstrative and disruptive.
All that said, even though the election is in early July, the potential for public demonstrations might well be greatest in August, as that's when the new House would meet to actually elect a P.M. and form a government. The unknown factor is whether the military will do anything to affect the result.
There's certainly potential for some level of disruption. If the past is a guide to the future, it's very likely that tourists who pay attention can avoid being affected. Overall, though, it might be better to put off BKK to another time.
Jun 15th, 2011, 01:08 PM
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don, you are correct about the demos around the 4 seasons area both last year and more recently, but my point was that that area is away from most government buildings... note that i suggested the river as the most issolated from past problems... of course the king now lives on the river just up from the ROS...
Jun 15th, 2011, 02:43 PM
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Help! I did not know about the elections! We will be in B'kok from July 1-3, leaving for Phuket on July 3rd. No idea how roads etc will be on election day? Do we need to change our plans? Our ultimate destination is Phuket but would have liked a couple of nights in B'kok to see the city. We are planning to stay at the InterContinental(can be changed), no idea if that area would be considered relatively safe? Please advise. Thanks!
Jun 15th, 2011, 05:20 PM
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When I was last in BKK, the red shirts had been having twice monthly demos in the Ratchaprasong area. I was caught by surprise by one back in January. They last for an afternoon, and then they disband.
excited-confused, tourists are not targeted. But I'm not sure what I would do in your situation, wanting to fly on election day, but you will probably be just fine. I doubt things will get out of hand like they did last year. I was there at that time, and it was easily avoidable where I was staying, though I was bothered by skytrain closures and the malls shutting down then.
Anyway, hopefully things do not degenerate into a similar situation ever again!
Carol
excited-confused, tourists are not targeted. But I'm not sure what I would do in your situation, wanting to fly on election day, but you will probably be just fine. I doubt things will get out of hand like they did last year. I was there at that time, and it was easily avoidable where I was staying, though I was bothered by skytrain closures and the malls shutting down then.
Anyway, hopefully things do not degenerate into a similar situation ever again!
Carol
Jun 15th, 2011, 05:36 PM
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Excited - you will be fine and IMO no need to change your plan. The demonstration by 10,000 that was written here was only for the area immediately outside Central World mall and only for 1/2. Carol(Simpsonc510) is spot on with her description of it. Keep in mind that 10,000 people gathering and wearing red will stand out in a city of over 10 million people. On your average day there are more than that amount of people in that area anyway.
For the election day, like in the past, there is a prohibition for public alcoholic consumption and that is about it. Also, the election will take part throughout the country so keep that in mind if you want a drink!
For the election day, like in the past, there is a prohibition for public alcoholic consumption and that is about it. Also, the election will take part throughout the country so keep that in mind if you want a drink!
Jun 16th, 2011, 02:16 AM
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I dun think the airport will shut down again, as for the protests its on going but only around government places.
If u still looking for hotels to stay wud recommend middle sukhumvit area, options wud include, legacy suites, admiral premier, citrus 22 Sukhumvit and even Adelphi Grande sister hotel to adelphi suites, stayed at both and they are great!
If u still looking for hotels to stay wud recommend middle sukhumvit area, options wud include, legacy suites, admiral premier, citrus 22 Sukhumvit and even Adelphi Grande sister hotel to adelphi suites, stayed at both and they are great!
Jun 16th, 2011, 06:53 AM
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Following everyone's comments with keen interest.
I also have a young (20 something) friend who is planning her first Asian trip (Hong Kong, Vietnam, mostly Thailand),so I am thinking of her interests as you share you thoughts.
Please keep this thread alive if more pertinent information surfaces as we approach election day.
I also have a young (20 something) friend who is planning her first Asian trip (Hong Kong, Vietnam, mostly Thailand),so I am thinking of her interests as you share you thoughts.
Please keep this thread alive if more pertinent information surfaces as we approach election day.
Jun 16th, 2011, 07:32 AM
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marya_, some extremely useful sites for keeping abreast of what's going on:
- www.nationmultimedia.com and www.bangkokpost.com are Bangkok's two biggest English-language newspapers. They operate under some restraints, but they're still excellent resources for info, particularly if you pay heed to the subtexts. You may find that these media are not reporting that everything is peaceful and calm -- The Nation, for example, reports that the brother of a candidate in the election was gunned down today in mid-afternoon on Khao Sarn road. The paper says that the police believe the murder was politically-motivated. (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home...-30157959.html)
- http://twitter.com/#!/richardbarrow is the twitter feed for Richard Barrow, an ex-pat reporter living in Thailand.
- www.nationmultimedia.com and www.bangkokpost.com are Bangkok's two biggest English-language newspapers. They operate under some restraints, but they're still excellent resources for info, particularly if you pay heed to the subtexts. You may find that these media are not reporting that everything is peaceful and calm -- The Nation, for example, reports that the brother of a candidate in the election was gunned down today in mid-afternoon on Khao Sarn road. The paper says that the police believe the murder was politically-motivated. (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home...-30157959.html)
- http://twitter.com/#!/richardbarrow is the twitter feed for Richard Barrow, an ex-pat reporter living in Thailand.
