State Of Emergency Declared For Bangkok

[henryalleman]

Can anyone confirm this? Thaksin in Thailand? Recent rumors that he was in Cambodia and he's publicly announced the start of his "peoples revolution" and his return to Thailand. Nobody can say he hasn't got balls!

My highlight in Bold.

Thaksin makes phone-in, calling more to join rallies

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a phone-in to the rally at the Government House at 6:30 pm, calling more people to join anti-government rallies in Bangkok.

He said it was the "golden time" now for the protesters to rise up against the government after soldiers were deployed to Bangkok streets.

He said it was now time for the people's revolution and he was ready to move into Thailand to lead the people's uprising.

The Nation

words, words,

he was ready to move into Thailand to lead the people's uprising.

he is much to comfortable in his 5 star suite

[northend_boyz]

For those of you who get your views of Thai politics from your wives here's a little caveat!

I tried to explain to mine why Abhisit was perfectly within his rights to refuse calls for a new election as his was a legitimate government of elected MPs. Was she interested in hearing this piece of news? Or even my explanation of the electoral processes?

Not a bit of it - Her mother had told her that Abhisit is an unelected, undemocratic monster - so he must be.

Where did mother get her views? From talking to some bloke in the village who had been to listen to a Thaksin rally.

your wife is right - he is undemocratically PM! he got in by democratically elected 'leaders' changing sides - ok for temp thing UNTIL elections but current govt. are not saying they will hold new elections - Thai people are up in arms - and so they should be - let a new election happen and everything is difused... NO ONE has voted him PM! you don't get it???

You honestly just don't get it, do you??? There has been enough posters here, who have explained how parliamentary systems work. Yet you continue to post that Abhisit came into power undemocratically. So here's a link to info on parliamentary systems.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentary_system ......do your homework before you make posts on subjects you have no knowledge in!!!

[Plus]

After all the violence shown on TV and Thaksin's call for a revolution, I don't think people give a toss about red asses.

[kuffki]

Please go back to my original post and then we can talk

because i'm bored i actually went and read the post again (still the same post i replied to) and your whole argument is that because some thais don't understand politics then we cannot understand politics.

I'm sorry but that is such a bogus argument to make, i could say the same thing about quantum physics, but that still doesn't mean it's true. If you don't understand politics then fine, that's ok, but don't go around saying that just because you don't understand it no one else can, which in effect is what you are saying.

rereading you post also does not explain why you seem to think i don't live in thailand and why you think i said you were thai.

Fact is some of us live here and know quiet a bit about thai politics and we are very much in our right to talk about something that effects our lives. If you don't want to argue politics or don't like other people argue politics, there are many many forums on this lovely site that can offer you something more to your taste.

Yes you right about everything and i am wrong! keep on arguing and insulting each other, there is no other better way to spend the night!

[Thai at Heart]

So guys if the authorites shoot a few reds how will it go down with the ordinary people? Critical question right now

I think it possible that the Reds might rally in Chiangmai, and larger northern cities, the larger Isaan cities and the army won't be able to control it and they may move to Bangkok.

I think the army is trying to make sure they can control the regional cities before they do anything.

I think they waiting for the night to set in, to avoid unneccessary casualties from passing by people and onlookers observing.

And also half of the red shirts will be sleeping, so again easier and reduces the number of casualties

Well I got it from the horses mouth.

If they move against the reds in Bangkok without knowing for sure that they can secure the north and the north-east, they have a partial victory and a split country. This situation has the chance to go country wide, and it won't be like the last coup. They know there is a real chance that if the army tries to come out for example in Chiangmai or Udon or any of the major northern or north easters cities tomorrow, they can't control it.

Simply logistically, how do you drive tanks into the Klong in Chiangmai and tell Songkran followers to go home? Then you have tanks surrounded by 1000 pick ups, and the Chiangmai reds turn up. The poor guys driving the tanks will get lynched if they resist and once again the establishment loses face. Do you honestly believe that a 19 year old soldier who is conscripted will resist half a million chiangmai locals during songkran? Then add on Udon, Ubon, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Phrae and another 10 major cities north of Bangkok. Military power doesn't work if enough of the local populous opposes. They either move tonight or they won't move at all!

Edited April 12, 2009 by Thai at Heart

[hammered]

So guys if the authorites shoot a few reds how will it go down with the ordinary people? Critical question right now

I think it possible that the Reds might rally in Chiangmai, and larger northern cities, the larger Isaan cities and the army won't be able to control it and they may move to Bangkok.

I think the army is trying to make sure they can control the regional cities before they do anything.

I think they waiting for the night to set in, to avoid unneccessary casualties from passing by people and onlookers observing.

And also half of the red shirts will be sleeping, so again easier and reduces the number of casualties

Well I got it from the horses mouth.

If they move against the reds in Bangkok without knowing for sure that they can secure the north and the north-east, they have a partial victory and a split country. This situation has the chance to go country wide, and it won't be like the last coup. They know there is a real chance that if the army tries to come out for example in Chiangmai or Udon or any of the major northern or north easters cities tomorrow, they can't control it.

Simply logistically, how do you drive tanks into the Klong in Chiangmai and tell Songkran followers to go home? Then you have tanks surrounded by 1000 pick ups, and the Chiangmai reds turn up. The poor guys driving the tanks will get lynched if they resist and once again the establishment loses face. Do you honestly believe that a 19 year old soldier who is conscripted will resist half a million chiangmai locals during songkran? Then add on Udon, Ubon, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Phrae and another 10 major cities north of Bangkok. Military power doesn't work if enough of the local populous opposes. They either move tonight or they won't move at all!

Doubt they'll move anywhere except BKK during Songkhran.

Dopes anyone think Thaskin et al want a lanna plus Isaan poverty stricken empire with no sea border which is what they have if it splits? and a lower north that cant abide lanna crap

[edwardmoulton]

<br />

We are not guests.<br /><br />Guests come to dinner or come for a holiday, they do not live here and contribute to the economy.<br /><br />I live here and I should have the same civil rights as a Thai. I accept I cannot vote and I am happy to own a condo but I will never accept anyone calling me a 'guest' and the sooner the rest of the foreign residents here do that too the better for us all and Thailand can start to be less racist...

<br />edward, do you have a recidency or citizenship? can the immigration kick you out anytime they want? the answers are for you to contemplate...<br />

<br /><br />No, no, no and no respectively and now I am bored with this very trivial issue when we have a major political situation. You carry on being scared fo your own shadow and everso humble and I will not. Agree to differ.<br />

<br /><br /><br />

They can kick you out any time, if they WANT!

Yes, but they might not WANT, as you put it, given their current economic situation might they!

[spongeman]

As Thailand has never been a colony it has always tended to plough its own furrow, so to speak. That may explain the lack of foreign influences political-wise.

Id still prefer it over HK or Singapore any day though.

[MyphuketLife]

They occupied government house for three bloody months forcing everyone to work elsewhere. You call that a visit?

They closed three airports causing mayhem across Asia, was that another visit. And if the mob would have gotten their hands on those government folks that jumped the fence as parliament was sieged. do you think they would have helped them find their car and driver?

Nothing like reading a good history rewrite before sleep.

PAD's taking over govt house was peaceful and non-violent.

Apart from that, they've been demonstrating in various locations around the city, including metropolitan police. It was all peaceful and non-violent. They also managed to get into the airport without breaking through glass doors and lines of police and soldiers and without blocking cars of visiting foreign government leaders and scaring women shitless and wheeping in front of TV cameras while they run around the building, hunting for anyone important to vent their anger at.

"Government folks that jumped the fence when parliament was sieged" - you mean Oct 7 when the poilice fired tear gas canisters without any warning and injured hundreds of people, killing at least one and seriously maiming several others, do you mean that as an example of PAD violence? Do you mean those government folks who ordered a crackdown and then passed through the rivers on blood to declare their "reconciliation" policy with those who lost their lives and limbs?

You are another one who confuses civil disobedience with lynch mob on rampage.

I was just thinking the same thing when reading your response "man plus is leaving out facts again.."

The YELLOWS were voilent as well, their is video of them shooting, kidnapping, holding weapons, holding a knive to a taxi drivers throught... Raiding tv stations holding some hostage....

Both sides have been voilent you must atleast admit that, even if you choose to agree with the yellow side you can not honestly think they have been 100% peacefull, so please stop pretending like they were with out wrong..

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

So guys if the authorites shoot a few reds how will it go down with the ordinary people? Critical question right now

I think it possible that the Reds might rally in Chiangmai, and larger northern cities, the larger Isaan cities and the army won't be able to control it and they may move to Bangkok.

I think the army is trying to make sure they can control the regional cities before they do anything.

I think they waiting for the night to set in, to avoid unneccessary casualties from passing by people and onlookers observing.

And also half of the red shirts will be sleeping, so again easier and reduces the number of casualties

Well I got it from the horses mouth.

If they move against the reds in Bangkok without knowing for sure that they can secure the north and the north-east, they have a partial victory and a split country. This situation has the chance to go country wide, and it won't be like the last coup. They know there is a real chance that if the army tries to come out for example in Chiangmai or Udon or any of the major northern or north easters cities tomorrow, they can't control it.

Simply logistically, how do you drive tanks into the Klong in Chiangmai and tell Songkran followers to go home? Then you have tanks surrounded by 1000 pick ups, and the Chiangmai reds turn up. The poor guys driving the tanks will get lynched if they resist and once again the establishment loses face. Do you honestly believe that a 19 year old soldier who is conscripted will resist half a million chiangmai locals during songkran? Then add on Udon, Ubon, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Phrae and another 10 major cities north of Bangkok. Military power doesn't work if enough of the local populous opposes. They either move tonight or they won't move at all!

I am old enough to remember the riots in the US in the 1960s and the Czech uprising of 1968. The Czech populace did burn one tank but after that it was all over. If you think a mob of people with small arms and molotov cocktails can defeat tanks and a well armed army think again. The only instance they will succeed is if the army allows them to do so. Otherwise I'm afraid it will be a bloodbath.

[TheUsernameIsAlreadyTaken]

quote name='edwardmoulton' date='2009-04-12 23:29:03' post='2660082']

<br />

We are not guests.<br /><br />Guests come to dinner or come for a holiday, they do not live here and contribute to the economy.<br /><br />I live here and I should have the same civil rights as a Thai. I accept I cannot vote and I am happy to own a condo but I will never accept anyone calling me a 'guest' and the sooner the rest of the foreign residents here do that too the better for us all and Thailand can start to be less racist...

<br />edward, do you have a recidency or citizenship? can the immigration kick you out anytime they want? the answers are for you to contemplate...<br />

<br /><br />No, no, no and no respectively and now I am bored with this very trivial issue when we have a major political situation. You carry on being scared fo your own shadow and everso humble and I will not. Agree to differ.<br />

<br /><br /><br />

They can kick you out any time, if they WANT!

Yes, but they might not WANT, as you put it, given their current economic situation might they!

Probably NOT!

[wxpwzrd]

They can kick you out any time, if they WANT!

Yes, but they might not WANT, as you put it, given their current economic situation might they!

Sorry to bust your bubble... You are a visitor, a guest in Thailand.

[lannarebirth]

Well I got it from the horses mouth.

If they move against the reds in Bangkok without knowing for sure that they can secure the north and the north-east, they have a partial victory and a split country. This situation has the chance to go country wide, and it won't be like the last coup. They know there is a real chance that if the army tries to come out for example in Chiangmai or Udon or any of the major northern or north easters cities tomorrow, they can't control it.

Simply logistically, how do you drive tanks into the Klong in Chiangmai and tell Songkran followers to go home? Then you have tanks surrounded by 1000 pick ups, and the Chiangmai reds turn up. The poor guys driving the tanks will get lynched if they resist and once again the establishment loses face. Do you honestly believe that a 19 year old soldier who is conscripted will resist half a million chiangmai locals during songkran? Then add on Udon, Ubon, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Phrae and another 10 major cities north of Bangkok. Military power doesn't work if enough of the local populous opposes. They either move tonight or they won't move at all!

Doubt they'll move anywhere except BKK during Songkhran.

Dopes anyone think Thaskin et al want a lanna plus Isaan poverty stricken empire with no sea border which is what they have if it splits? and a lower north that cant abide lanna crap

Thaksin wants casinoes. He has purchased thousands of rai in the north in the hopes he could establish casinoes there. He has convinced major hoteliers to build there in the same hopes. Sure, he'll get a piece.

[Chaimai]

Hmmm any sensible new PM elected by their Party would want a 'popular' mandate - you know - you are not stupid - the only reason current governemnt are 'in' is because the democratically elected govt. were kicked out through legal process - NOT BY ELECTION

..... but that does not make it undemocratic.

[eldar1]

I was just thinking the same thing when reading your response "man plus is leaving out facts again.."

The YELLOWS were voilent as well, their is video of them shooting, kidnapping, holding weapons, holding a knive to a taxi drivers throught... Raiding tv stations holding some hostage....

Both sides have been voilent you must atleast admit that, even if you choose to agree with the yellow side you can not honestly think they have been 100% peacefull, so please stop pretending like they were with out wrong..

true, there was sporadic violence from PAD as well, some provoked and some not provoked. I still think that the biggest difference is the tone and harshness of the mobs. The yellow were largely peaceful and tried not to hurt anyone (not always succeeding) they also never tried to incite violence towards the government, UDD is unfortunately guilty incitement to violence and it's break in at the ASEAN was not really peaceful now was it?

While i admit the line between the two was difficult to see at times, i believe that yesterday and today really have set the UDD apart from PAD.

[stepenwolf1958]

How about prison time for those that took over the airport?

Just about the same as a justice finally served on my traffic ticket - irrelevant.

We have a red mobs on a hunt to kill the Prime Minister - that's as treasonous as it gets, and it's happening right now.

Jesus mighty...where did you get that, really???

All is already so hard and what for are this kind of disinformation? To put more oil?

Better be carefyll about what you posting here, please.

I would say the fact that they already slightly injured him, is a good indication as to their intentions.... No?

I don't think so.The point is that what you said is INDIVIDUAL acting, and here is no any conspiracy about to kill PM and i don't understand why you didn't get my point. Here,and twice, the same man said words as hunt and kill, hard bold statements. I don't see where from he's got that conclusion? This is not a "hunting" especially not on any man. This is much deeper problem and to move PM is not the only thing reds want. As a matter in fact, that's not primary thing at all.

Don't you think if someone wanted to kill him- why would just injure him?

Once again,flamable statements here, roumors and disinformations will not help at all.

If that one is responsible person in this moments(Thai or farang) would not place that kind of things here at all. People are already confused,ordinary people,and pumping their fears with personal opinions here,is very wrong to do.

Especially that who said this-didn't want to say where from is that his information. That's just his/her personal opinion and nothing else.Of course,wrong. Upseting so much.

[Thai at Heart]

I am old enough to remember the riots in the US in the 1960s and the Czech uprising of 1968. The Czech populace did burn one tank but after that it was all over. If you think a mob of people with small arms and molotov cocktails can defeat tanks and a well armed army think again. The only instance they will succeed is if the army allows them to do so. Otherwise I'm afraid it will be a bloodbath.

That is probably why they are waiting. They need good strong people commanding operations with loyal soldiers in many cities. The red's power isn't in Bangkok or Pattaya but they have so far caused mayhem with 100k people. If they march in Bangkok without knowing for sure that they can secure the regional cities, the army will have effectively split the country.

Last time around up country in Isaan, I saw the small amount of armoury they needed to take control. Everyone was very complicit. This time around, they know they need good organisation and hopefully Suthep isnt making the plan. I don't think he has ever been to Kalasin has he? This needs city by city co-ordination to effect a proper shutdown

Edited April 12, 2009 by Thai at Heart

[xminator]

My guess for tomorrow is Abhisit still PM, army in controll of Bangkok and a general anticlimacs of the last two days happenings.

[henryalleman]

If Abhisit opens fire on civilians, he's gone. He's gone anyways, just faster that way.

they are insurgants who like to overthrow a legitimate government. Anyhow I think a few rounds of tear-gas and some water spraying will be effective enough to stop this farce.

[Thai at Heart]

My guess for tomorrow is Abhisit still PM, army in controll of Bangkok and a general anticlimacs of the last two days happenings.

Well if nothing is done with 15 minutes to go until tomorrow, you are probably correct.

The anti-climax is a somewhat unlikely outcome in more ways than one in a Thai context, but if nothing happens, Abhisit may as well tie his own pecker to a balloon and go off and become a lecturer about Asian political science in a poly in the Philippines.

Something has to give.

[Chaimai]

Anyhow I think a few rounds of tear-gas and some water spraying will be effective enough to stop this farce.

They haven't been so far !

2 SoE's and not a drop of water anywhere.

[AnthonyR1]

its all turned into a big retard fest! as expected. we can type as many opinions and calculations as we like....bottom line is its a retard fest! sit back, crack a beer and enjoy the fireworks. these hippocrates are out to lunch. they deserve the future they are carving out for this once wonderful nation

[henryalleman]

If Abhisit opens fire on civilians, he's gone. He's gone anyways, just faster that way.

Rainman!!!! Red shirts are no longer civilians, they passed that point when they broke into summit, then started to to destroy public property and attack other civilians.

On top they have hijacked military equipment, and caused bodily harm to member of the government-they are no longer civilians and that is their big mistake for which there will be blood shed.

Unfortunately all the UDD leaders have gone silent, may be because they realised they will not win or will spend the rest of their life in jail or be shot for treason, and hate to say it, but just like in the animal world if the leader is not there, the mob starts to run wild.

I doubt you will find even 1 educated Thai among the red shirts now,its all Isaan( unemployed and hardly educated)

But the sad part of it all is that the leaders really do not care about the people they lead, they only care about achieving their objective irrespective of bloodshed or not.

I really do not understand all the people arguing over Thai politics

Firstly half of you arguing do not even live in Thailand-so the hel_l would you know anything about politics in Thailand

Other half, only comes here for "good" time, so again where did you learn about Thai politics

and lastly, others can not speak Thai fluent enough to understand even Thai news or papers, so here you are arguing and the only source of information you have is either BBC/CNN or English papers which is translated/interpreted by someone.-so in fact -you have no real facts to argue.

Bottom line,some Red shirts will die if not tonight then tomorrow. Right or wrong is an opinion of each individual.

But remember, Yellow shirts did not attack passing by civilians, nor did they block roads to hospitals not did they harm government officals.

Yes they did seize the airport, but if you recall they did ask everyone to leave and did offer food and water for passangers who were stranded in the airport.

Yes they did paralise the travel, but did not block every day life of ordinary Thai's

Not to mention, Red shirts now have ruined Songran for all Thais in Bangkok and surrounding areas and that is over 20 000 000 people.

I am not taking sides, nor trying to justify anyones actions, but simply stating the facts. What people agree or not agree with is again an individual opinion.

It is right that now they are using the army?? in most country's the answer would not NO, but in Thailand, police are useless which they have proven time and time again. The only thing Thai police seems to be good at is extortion and bribes. So what other choice is there then to use the army.

Now some have mentioned soldiers not wanting to shoot their country men, Have you forgotten, Military service is mandatory in Thailand, so you have an army of kids 19,20 year old kids-of course they shocked and of course they lost. But be sure, once the orders come down to shoot-they will. Because if they disobey an order, they will be either shot or jailed for a long long time.

I personally think that the current PM did try all he could to keep calm and avoid any problems. He did try to negotiate and offer concessions. I do not think he did this because he is weak, but because he was raised and educated in UK(Democratic country) and possibly somewhere he did not realise that this was not UK but Thailand and rule of common sense simply-DOES NOT EXIST.

He did allow the worst to happen and did plea to stop, but yet again common sense will not prevail and hence the army is called in.

Did the mob understand this?-NO, they have gone and seized tanks-is it a smart move?-NO

Will they army now stand back and do nothing?-NO

Will the red shirts stop?-NO

So at the end of the day red shirts have brought all these on themselves on their own wheel and in the mean time have upset millions of people, forget tourists and expats. They have hurt their own people.

[hanuman1]

Reports of fighting in the Din Daeng area of Bangkok - Reds vs Army - can anyone confirm?

[edwardmoulton]

They can kick you out any time, if they WANT!

Yes, but they might not WANT, as you put it, given their current economic situation might they!

Sorry to bust your bubble... You are a visitor, a guest in Thailand.

No I am not. I am a tax-paying long term resident. I ma not the guy on the bus to the border every 15 days. Anyway, stop this great advice mill about me and try and see the big point. I am happy in my 'bubble' or otherwise but my point is very simple....

There is no reason why someone who plays an active role and contributes to the economy should not have a voice. Whether anyone else listens to it or not is up to them but to sit there bleating on about being a grateful guest is only relevant if you are just that. Many like me are not. We are regular members of society here and should be treated as such.

If we are not, it is not reason to shout and scream, but also not reason to lie down and say, oh well that is just Thailand. It should not be. This is about respect for everyone. If Thailand embraces its 'guests' it keeps them, if not they leave. Same for all of us and there isn't exactly a shortage of other countries to live in is there if you have a bob or two. Thailand has great merit but also let's itself down too... As does every country but this whole thing started from the ridiculous comment that we somehow should sit there and say nothing.

Anyway, this is not the thread for this anyway and it has become too involved already so we'll continue this or not on the 'Thais should learn to respect their guests more' thread when or if it ever starts...

Goodnight. The movie beckons....

[TonySoprano]

It seems pretty obvious that the Army and Police want no part of this. Looks like Abhisit is being hung out to dry.

[madi]

For those of you who get your views of Thai politics from your wives here's a little caveat!

I tried to explain to mine why Abhisit was perfectly within his rights to refuse calls for a new election as his was a legitimate government of elected MPs. Was she interested in hearing this piece of news? Or even my explanation of the electoral processes?

Not a bit of it - Her mother had told her that Abhisit is an unelected, undemocratic monster - so he must be.

Where did mother get her views? From talking to some bloke in the village who had been to listen to a Thaksin rally.

your wife is right - he is undemocratically PM! he got in by democratically elected 'leaders' changing sides - ok for temp thing UNTIL elections but current govt. are not saying they will hold new elections - Thai people are up in arms - and so they should be - let a new election happen and everything is difused... NO ONE has voted him PM! you don't get it???

PS BTW no one voted Brown into British PM and we don't like that either!!! AND he will pay price at next election - you have to have a MANDATE!!!

Well, obviously you don't have to, but I'm sure it makes things easier if you do...

Questions

Is there anyone who believes Thailand is now or ever has been a democracy?

Simpletons

Quiz

Who rules Thailand?

Who owns most of the land in Thailand?

Who decides who the generals are in Thailand?

Who gave the Court the right to kick out democratically elected governments?

Wasn't this current constitution put in by a coup government?

Does the ruling class benefits from the majority of people being put down? Oh yeah

Now another question for farangs here?

Why are you here?

It is not for the great jobs you have is it? HAA HAA

Is it to benefit from the majority of people being put down? Oh yeah.

Do you think Ghandi would be wearing a yellow shirt?

HAAA HAAA

How about Nelson Mandela? Sure--he would love that yellow.

If you are here to benefit from people being used and abused, you are in the right place--at least for a few more weeks.

But I do sympathize with the ruling elite here in some ways. To give over power to an uneducated mob could certainly wreck the nation. I do understand the problems at least in some ways.

Still, the change is coming and it would be better to be with the change and to influence it than to be run over by it.

Just my small opinion

[TheChiefJustice]

I have just seen the very disturbing images of the red shirts visciously attacking the government cars and their occupants. I never thought I would say this, but the army needs to move in and end this tonight, hopefully with minimal casualties.

[henryalleman]

I'd like to see some documentation on your allegations

You're confusing me with your secretary.

I told you were to find it. You can even do a search on ThaiVisa, but I'm not going on a mission to convince you. If you want to educate yourself, do it. If not, well ...not really my problem, is it?

By this statement you proved to give misleading information, and just babbling nonsense.

[MaryJane]

Good to see they have upgraded warnings!! I would think it should be "Avoid all travel"

What a shame...

2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Thailand Exercise normal security precautionsExercise high degree of cautionAvoid non-essential travelAvoid all travel

Political demonstrations are occurring in Bangkok and many provinces throughout the country. The security situation is fluid and travellers should expect an increased security presence and measures. Demonstrators have blockaded roads in several areas of the country, particularly in Bangkok, causing significant traffic disruption and stoppages. A large demonstration in Pattaya on April 11, 2009 caused the postponement of the ASEAN Summit and a state of emergency was briefly invoked throughout Chonburi Province. Canadians are strongly advised to avoid locations and areas where demonstrations have been and are currently ongoing. Canadians are encouraged to verify travel schedules and services with local authorities or travel service providers prior to departure, and should exercise patience and plan accordingly. Canadians in Thailand should exercise caution, follow advice of local authorities, and monitor local media.

On September 19, 2006, the military ousted the civilian government in a coup d'état. Democratic elections have since been held and a civilian government is now in power. However, martial law remains in effect in some areas of the country.

There is a heightened threat of terrorism throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Canadians are advised to exercise caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events), tourist areas frequented by foreigners, and on public transportation. Reports suggest that there is an ongoing terrorist threat in Thailand and attacks could occur at any time, anywhere, throughout the Kingdom. While we have no evidence to suggest that Canadians will be directly targeted, there is a risk of becoming an inadvertent victim of a terrorist attack.

Regional Warning Exercise normal security precautionsExercise high degree of cautionAvoid non-essential travelAvoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Bangkok and Nonthaburi province, as well as areas of Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom and Ayutthaya which are affected by a State of Emergency, declared on April 12, 2009. Political demonstrations, some violent, are ongoing. Road blockades and significant traffic disruptions are occurring, the security situation remains volatile, and travellers should expect increased security activity and measures. Canadians in these areas should exercise extreme caution, follow advice of local authorities, and closely monitor local media.