The Red Center Of Bangkok

[NanLaew]

I have some clients to meet in Bangkok as well as some shopping so would like to know where the 'no-go' zones are.

The only map I have seen is on the BBC website and shows all Rajdamri and a chunk of Ploenchit that passes east beyond Wittayu. Have they blocked off the access from Sukhumvit to Wittayu; the British Embassy crossroads?

Thanks!

[sawadeeken]

When do you expect to arrive? It is likely to be all over in a matter of days.....................

[Old Man River]

Yesterday morning I noticed they had blocked off Ploenchit (Sukhumvit) at the Wireless intersection (heading towards Chidlom). They still had one lane open on Ploenchit going away from Chidlom to Wireless. Maybe they will change these tomorrow when people go back to work, but at best it will only be one lane in each direction.

Until this is all over I think it best to give the entire area a miss if at all possible, although during the day Central Chidlom is usually open and easily accessible via the skytrain.

I want to add that Wireless is open in both directions with no blockages.

[monkfish]

http://maps.google.co.th/maps/ms?hl=en-GB&...109863&z=13

[Old Man River]

http://maps.google.co.th/maps/ms?hl=en-GB&...109863&z=13

Unless they extended their barricade across the Wireless intersection to the highway since yesterday afternoon, that map is wrong. As of yesterday afternoon their barricade ended at the Ploenchit/Wireless intersection, but not across Wireless and it has never been across the Ploenchit/Wireless intersection.

[NanLaew]

Sounds OK if they haven't screwed up the Wattayu/Ploenchit junction as thats the way I will head for Rama 4 from the low-end of Sukhumvit. Coming back will be up Ratchadapisek (another client) and back along Sukhumvit to Soi 4. Easy!

A few people saying it will be all over 'in a few days'. Where does that prognosis come from?

[Old Man River]

Sounds OK if they haven't screwed up the Wattayu/Ploenchit junction as thats the way I will head for Rama 4 from the low-end of Sukhumvit. Coming back will be up Ratchadapisek (another client) and back along Sukhumvit to Soi 4. Easy!

A few people saying it will be all over 'in a few days'. Where does that prognosis come from?

The Reds' bamboo barricade is on the northwest corner (the Chidlom) side of Ploenchit at the Wireless/Ploenchit intersection and here there is only one lane open for the two way traffic. Hence, if you are driving on Sukhumvit from soi 4 towards Wireless and want to go to Rama IV, best to turn left on Ruamrudee and take it around to where it intersects with Wireless and then turn left on Wireless and go straight to Rama IV (Lumpini would be on your right). If you want to continue on Ploenchit, at the Wireless/Ploenchit intersection you have the option of either turning left on Wireless towards Rama IV or turning right on Wireless towards Phethburi. Traffic moves, but it is slow (even by Bangkok standards).

Coming back, Ratchadapisek to lower Sukhumvit should be no problem (normal Bangkok traffic).

As for the prognosis, it comes from Abhisit's roadmap, which has been designed to give the Reds enough to where they decide not to have some of their supporters sent home in body bags. However, the Reds' leaders are still thinking about it. I don't want to turn this thread into a political commentary as there is enough in the Thailand news clippings section already. The bottom line is, as Yogi Berra once said, it ain't over until its over.