Is It Safe To Come To Bangkok?

[Neeranam]

I have family coming to Thailand on Wednesday - they have been warned not to come by Ozzie travel agency- what should I advise them?

What's going on in Bangkok, and when?

[mrtoad]

Most of the embassies have been issuing travel warnings over the past week. It is all to do with the Square headed fugitives frozen assets, and I believe that the court will announce it's decision o the 26th. To be honest, I still think most people will be unaffected by it, but the travel agency are only covering their own ass, should things go tits up, e.g. airport closures, riots etc

[Neeranam]

Most of the embassies have been issuing travel warnings over the past week. It is all to do with the Square headed fugitives frozen assets, and I believe that the court will announce it's decision o the 26th. To be honest, I still think most people will be unaffected by it, but the travel agency are only covering their own ass, should things go tits up, e.g. airport closures, riots etc

OK, thanks - I've been away for a while and not seen the news.

[richieudon]

Yes come by all means.... and take in a football match while you're here...!

[Neeranam]

Yes come by all means.... and take in a football match while you're here...!

Why?

[Luang]

Yes come by all means.... and take in a football match while you're here...!

Why?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wF1INxBuGU

[OZEMADE]

Take the advise of the travel warning from the agency and get a refund on the airfares, leave the trip until next month and we will all know if the s**t is going to hit the fan. go to www.smarttraveller.gov.au click onto Thailand and see what they advise.

[Roadman]

Soccer bums Same the world over.

Jeez chill out. The Thai's are constantly struggling for the power of the Kingdom. Yes a few die now and then, mostly at the hands of the Reds (that's cause the Yellows poo's don't stink... or so they think....) but they are Thai's. hel_l's Bell's they even have all the dates and venues well advertised, in advance, with constant updates on venue changes, so that all the camera's are there to get the oneupmanship on each other.

Just stay clear of the venue/s advertised for the final nail in Thakies coffin and you will be fine, well to the extent of normal killings, muggings, arse grabbing etc. rates the world over.

Edited February 21, 2010 by Roadman

[ukrules]

At what point does a travel warning affect travel insurance policies ?

I read before that once a certain level of warning is reached the insurance is cancelled if you then decide against official advice to travel.

[mommysboy]

Last time I checked Thailand had the third highest murder rate, but just the one bomb last week in BKK. Spot of bovver at footie stadium over the weekend. Put the big street demo to shame. Mai pen rai!

[yabaaaa]

Bahhhhhhh just come or wrap yourself in cotton wool and live in a bunker.

[Loz]

could a situation arise where the embassy says don't come. Your travel insurance is nullified AND you can't get a refund on your tickets?

That would suck.

[GungaDin]

Tell your friends to come, but keep clear of BKK tourist traps until March 1.

Let the buffaloes sort themselves out.

The court's decision is to made on a Friday (28th)...... how stupid is that!

[metisdead]

Tell your friends to come, but keep clear of BKK tourist traps until March 1.

Let the buffaloes sort themselves out.

The court's decision is to made on a Friday (28th)...... how stupid is that!

I think you need to check your calendar, the 28th is on Sunday.

[Meridian007]

Even if you believed the artificial fears created by the reds, and think that there will be a coup, it won't have an effect of the safety of foreigners, unless you go to the hot-spots. The military isn't going to allow the airport to be taken over again, and that is the only possible danger area that you might have to go through on your way into or out of the country.

I wouldn't worry about it, if you are really paranoid, try to get a flight to somewhere other than Suvarnibhumi. I don't think there will be a problem.

[GungaDin]

A Freudian slip... I got the day right.

I wouldn't worry about it, if you are really paranoid, try to get a flight to somewhere other than Suvarnibhumi. I don't think there will be a problem.

Rubbish!

The OP's friends are coming on Wednesday, the morons won't be in BKK until Friday or late Thursday night at the earliest.!

Edited February 22, 2010 by GungaDin

[Meridian007]

A Freudian slip... I got the day right.

I wouldn't worry about it, if you are really paranoid, try to get a flight to somewhere other than Suvarnibhumi. I don't think there will be a problem.

Rubbish!

The OP's friends are coming on Wednesday, the morons won't be in BKK until Friday or late Thursday night at the earliest.!

That's why I told them not to worry about it, there won't be a problem, so they should just come. A change of flight would be extreme paranoia.

[Bedrockguesthouse]

G'day. My opinion is come. This matter everyone is talking about is between thai and thai. A suggestion would be dont stay in Bangkok go elsewhere and you should not have a problem. Go to Koh Chang or Koh Samet and enjoy yr holiday.

rgds Mark

[bkkjames]

G'day. My opinion is come. This matter everyone is talking about is between thai and thai. A suggestion would be dont stay in Bangkok go elsewhere and you should not have a problem. Go to Koh Chang or Koh Samet and enjoy yr holiday.

rgds Mark

no vested interest in that post mate?

[Bedrockguesthouse]

G'day. My opinion is come. This matter everyone is talking about is between thai and thai. A suggestion would be dont stay in Bangkok go elsewhere and you should not have a problem. Go to Koh Chang or Koh Samet and enjoy yr holiday.

rgds Mark

no vested interest in that post mate?

[GungaDin]

A Freudian slip... I got the day right.

I wouldn't worry about it, if you are really paranoid, try to get a flight to somewhere other than Suvarnibhumi. I don't think there will be a problem.

Rubbish!

The OP's friends are coming on Wednesday, the morons won't be in BKK until Friday or late Thursday night at the earliest.!

That's why I told them not to worry about it, there won't be a problem, so they should just come. A change of flight would be extreme paranoia.

I apologise for the word "Rubbish" a bit strong I think.

[somluck]

Should be safe as long as you don't wear anything red. If/when things get ugly, everything red will be shot on sight

[KhunDave]

Anyone know what time the verdict will be announced on Friday? I have to pass through the Swamp around midday, so an afternoon announcement would be just fine.

[bkkjames]

Anyone know what time the verdict will be announced on Friday? I have to pass through the Swamp around midday, so an afternoon announcement would be just fine.

going on previous big annoucements - early evening would be my best guess. let's the rush hour traffic clear and being pay day for most people - time to get to the mall to watch it on TV.

[OZEMADE]

This is the latest from the Australian Government.

Thailand Overall High Degree of caution.

Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkala Do not travel.

Thailand overall This Advice is current for Monday, 22 February 2010. Be alert to own securityExercise cautionHigh degree of cautionReconsider your need to travelDo not travelYala, Pattani, Narathiwat and SongkhlaBe alert to own securityExercise cautionHigh degree of cautionReconsider your need to travelDo not travelThis advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (increased security measures). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

http://' target="_blank">Summary

• We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution because of the high threat of terrorist attack and because of political instability in Thailand.
  
• Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
  
• We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including tourist areas and other places frequented by foreigners.
  
• In mid-February 2010, the Thai Government announced increased security measures in light of political unrest and possible demonstrations in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand in the coming weeks.
  
• Demonstrations can develop quickly and turn violent with little warning. In the event of protest action, disruptions could occur in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, including to transport and other infrastructure. You should avoid demonstration sites, political rallies, military deployments and concentrations of security personnel. You should also closely monitor developments and follow any instructions issued by local authorities. If you are in an area where demonstrators are gathering, you should leave the area immediately.
  
• There is an ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia relating to land near the Preah Vihear temple (Khao Pra Viharn in Thai). There has been fighting between Thai and Cambodian military troops in recent years, resulting in some injuries and fatalities. Some border crossings have been closed at times and landmines have been reported. Australians are urged to be particularly vigilant if travelling to this area and to monitor local media.
  
• We strongly advise you not to travel at this time to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla or overland to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces due to high levels of ongoing violence in these regions, including terrorist attacks and bombings resulting in deaths and injuries on an almost daily basis. Since January 2004, more than 3500 people have reportedly been killed and many more injured, including a number of foreigners. If you are in these provinces, you should consider leaving.