JB5150

Hi Everyone,

I have a Thailand/Cambodia trip planned for May, and have become a little concerned about what appears to be the escalation of some of the protests going on in and around Bangkok. For those of you who are local to the area, do you think this will present any problems akin to the closing of the airport back in November? I've never purchased travel insurance before, but am now considering it, as I don't want to lose out if the trip is disrupted.

I know sometimes the American media can get a little carried away with its news reporting, so I was hoping to get the opinions of those of you who are actually there now.

Thanks!!

rhkkmk

yes be concerned, but no to think about any change in plans....this is happening more frequently and will continue until they get a government that is acceptable

susiesan

I'd advise you to get travel insurance. We were stranded in Phuket for 6 days in November when the BK airport was shut down. I had to fight it out with the insurance company but eventually they paid the claim. But do not buy from Travelguard-they gave us such a hassle in paying the claim. And they are owned by AIG.

Kathie

Do what you need to do to feel comfortable - buy travel insurance, figure out alternative plans, whatever. But remember that there have long been demonstrations in Thailand just as there are in most countries. Only once in many years have political demonstrations had much of an effect on travelers.

Mango7

Just don't wear a red or yellow shirt or do any lese majesty stuff.

Hanuman

Today, April 8th, is the "D" day for the red shirt protesters. Also, both side have already stated that they will not interfere or plan to hold protest at any airports. No state unions or any other unions are behind the current protesters so I doubt if it will affect the tourist industry or their holidays.

Do keep an eye on the news especially the local English language newspaper for any update.

Tangata

This is what the NZ Embassy is saying,seems sensible to me.

"The political situation in Thailand continues to be uncertain. A major rally by opposition supporters is currently taking place in central Bangkok, around Government House, and the number of protestors is expected to increase by tens of thousands on Wednesday 8 April. We advise New Zealanders to avoid all political rallies, protests and demonstrations as the possibility of violence cannot be ruled out. Although foreign nationals have not been targeted by protestors, the potential remains to become inadvertantly caught up in violence directed at others. We recommend you comply with any restrictions and instructions that may be issued by the local authorities, monitor events closely and remain vigilant as the security situation could change quickly. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations or violence, you should find a safe location, remain indoors and heed any advice from the local authorities"

Cicerone

I think it is hard to say what will happen; my colleagues in Thailand seem to think that things will get worse before they get better. The economy is definitely worsening and that is not helping the situation. However, other than the airport closures last year, for the last 35 years or so no coup or protest in Thailand has targeted or really even affected tourists; but now that the protesters understand how potent a force closing the airports can be, it is possible that this may be tried again. I would not say to cancel, but would say to have flexible plans on the back end, i.e. don’t have a wedding or surgery or something that you have to get back for if it turns out you end up having an “extended” vacation.

Also look into contingency plans now. If you are going to be in Phuket or Koh Samui, look at options on how to drive or train to points in Malaysia and take flights from there. If you will be in Cambodia and will need to get back to Thailand for the next leg or for your flight home, it would help to already know your options for getting home from Cambodia if things begin to look bad in Thailand (i.e., boat to Vietnam (need visa) or plane to Hong Kong). The penalties and options for changing your int’l flight ticket from in or out of Bangkok to another city would be good to know now as well, i.e. can you reroute by just paying a small fee or do you have to pay full fare. Same with hotels, up to what point can you cancel them without penalty. Understanding your options now may help you from panicking later, and may also help you to weigh the risk as your trip approaches as to whether or not you should cancel.

I would read trip cancellation policies and travel insurance polices very carefully, as they may not cover you for outside political events. They are usually are tied to cancellation/interruption of trips due to personal events like illness and deaths of family members. Read policies now and understand what will cover you and what type of coverage you will get, and if there is coverage, make sure that Thailand has not been excluded from that coverage. Also, the insurance may not help you at all if you are in Thailand and the airports are closed, if you can’t fly out at all, then having insurance to pay for a non-existent flight won’t be a lot of consolation.

SiamJai

The demonstrations are all in small areas well away from tourist spots. You shouldn't have any hassle at all.
Monitor the news to see any areas affected and then just keep clear. Normal common sense you would use in your own country.
Map of protests now at:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...s-to-be-closed

JB5150

Thanks so much for all of your responses! You can never be too careful, so I am definitely going to shop around for travel insurance and make a plan "B" just in case anything happens.