We have a trip planned to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos from Jan 22-Feb 11. We were getting SOOOO excited.

Now there's all of this threat of violence. I'm pretty sure the airport should be back to normal operations by then, but who knows what will happen. Maybe the other side will stage a similar protest.

So, what is the common Fodor wisdom? Should we still go? We will only be in BKK for 4 days right around Chinese New Years. Surely even the most ardent political protester will take a few days off?

The Thai peoples themselves are friendly enough to foreigners, particularly away from Bangkok and the numbers involved in the protests are by still a very small minority of the population.

You'll find most Thais just want to get on with their lives and the situation is being sorted now it would seem and at worst I would see the King asking the military to take control again until new elections and Thais are most respectful of their royalty so I'd reckon you'll be fine by January.

Only you can decide what you are comfortable with. Watch the news and over the next few weeks. Note that there have been no threats to travelers in all of this - this has been an internal political battle which has now been decided in the courts.

If it were me, I'd be going, given the situation now. I've been to Thailand many times, and it feels like my second home. When we were there in Late Oct-early Nov, there were protests going on at Government House, but as a visitor in bangkok, I never saw any sighs of disturbance in our all too short 8 days there.

I'm not so worried about being a target, but rather caught as a bystanders. We're only in BKK for 4 days, but will need to use the airports in BKK 3 times: 1) fly in, 2) fly to Chiang Mai, 3) transit between Siem Reap and Phuket. At least we're flying home from SIN

I'm a little bit concerned about violence, but most of my worry is about having horrible travel logistics ruin our vacation.

Arrgh... wish this wasn't happening!

As Kathie says linjudy keep up to daye with the news and I reckon you'll find that within a few weeks the situation as has been will barely be a blip on the radar.

So no need to stress on it; all the passengers there for the past week have done more than enough for you.

As a Thai people, I'd like to apologize to all visitors. The Suvarnabhumi Airport will resume its operation on Friday (Dec.5) and hope everything will be back in normal situation.
During protest, I've worked and lived here as normal and not affected much by that (except for traffic of course). Also I found that most tourists enjoyed their stay here (before airports closure).
In my opinion, the protestors should figure out not to apply this method in protesting anymore, since it causes our country reputation and economy.
Wish everything end up with smile and for you, linjudy, welcome to Thailand! (Chinese New Year in Yaowaraj is fun)

linjudy -- we've been watching the news too and are doing BKK to Laos to Cambodia to BKK just a bit ahead of you (we'll both be in BKK near Chinese NYers it seems). What I've been watching is how my connecting air lines are dealing with the challenges. I hate to do as much moving around as we have planned anyway -- always felt the trip was a bit ambitious with flights and non-refundable reservations, so I can understand exactly how you feel.

one thought occurs -- once the airport is reopened, one would think any protest would find a new arena -- didn't PAD want the international focus seizing the airport would bring, and wouldn't it now be redundant to do the same thing again? I know I'm reading too much into a situation I can't begin to comprehend but -- in the end, we'll all just have to do as others have suggested: read, watch, see

our flights are with Sing Air so worst case I was figuring we'd pick up other flights from there and wouldn't get to spend time in BKK -- our hotel in Laos was offering a travel desk to help reroute anyone staying with them in and out via other cities/countries

I'm sure I'll see you around the forums in the days/weeks ahead !!

Thank you, agsman, for the welcome. We were so looking forward to our first visit to Thailand. I'm going to continue to monitor the situation and hope for the best!

I don't pretend to have the smallest understanding of the political situation, but I totally agree with you -- this method of protest if bad for the country. I hope the Thai people put pressure on both sides to resolve the situation peacefully.

I hope to be able to celebrate Chinese New Years with you

Thank you agsman for your kind words for travelers to Thailand. I've been quite concerned during the recent political troubles about the Thai people especially those who have employment in tourism or businesses impacted by these events. I hope the impact will not be long lasting.

Chook dee krap.

jenskar2 and linsjudy!
we'll be following right behind you leaving CA on Jan 24-feb 11.
We'll be landing in BKK staying 4 nights, on to Cambodia, then Laos then back to BKK before flying to Hong Kong for 3 nights.

Hopefully all this will be resolved by then and we can all continue to anticipate our adventure. This will be our first time in Asia, unlike so many of the generous people that populate this board.

I feel so badly for all the Thai people whose livelihood has been seriously affected by these events.
I find it amazing that the opposing Thai's were so patient during these demonstations and as a whole, it remained as peaceful as it did although there was a death and some injuries I believe.

I'll be reading the boards several times daily (as always)to see how everyones plans as progressing.

so happy that filmwill has been able to go ahead with his vacation.

Thailand is not safe now. China may be a good choice if you have not been to CHina. THere you can see the famous Great Wall and the terra-cotta warriors in 5000 years ago.

The Suvarnabhumi International Airport will reopen tomorrow (Dec.5). In fact, the first flight already made arrival at the airport yesterday.

The airport management believed it will operate at full capacity as normal by next week. Official are checking the aviation and IT system for security reason and transporting facilities back from U-Tapao Airport. There is no damage to runway and system.

Hope everyone enjoy your stay in "Amazing Thailand"

Agsman, what do you think is the likelihood that the "red" faction will now stage similar protests? I read that their support is stronger in the north and rural areas. Should we maybe skip Chiang Mai?

linjudy, I wouldn't worry about that. Personally, I'd skip CM, but not because of any threat of demonstrations! ;-)

the thing about CM is that there are 4 other ways to come and go-- train and bus or rental car or driver and car

Reason we included Chiang Mai is that it's a lot easier (and cheaper) to get from there to Luang Prabang, the next step on our itinerary.

Here's a good article on the Washington Post about the current situation http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...=moreheadlines

Sounds like we just need to wait and see.

The only truly "big ticket" non-refundable deposit we is the first night at the Banyon Tree in Phuket. I'm assuming that the hotel will be reasonable and at least give us a credit for future stay?