Should I Cancel my Trip to Bangkok?

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Should I Cancel my Trip to Bangkok?

By Hotelier Herald

Over the past couple of months, I have received a steady flow of texts and emails from friends overseas asking whether or not they should cancel the holidays that have already been booked to Bangkok in the new year, especially given that over 23 countries including Australia, U.S., Canada, Singapore, Germany and Sweden have all issued travel warnings.

The current political flare up in Thailand and particularly in Bangkok is the product of a seemingly perpetual cycle that has been going on for decades. The situation simmers, comes to the boil often resulting in a coup and then goes back down to simmer. This time round however looks to be a particularly prolonged time of upheaval as both sides are digging their heals in, with the anti-government protesters refusing to compromise with the supporters of caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Thailand officially became a constitutional monarchy in 1932. Since then, up until the time of writing this article, there have been a total of 15 coup d’état’s. Thailand has almost turned the coup d’état into an art form with several of them happening without violence.

Aside from political turbulence, Thailand has also gone through its fair share of economical turbulence over the past twenty years. One of the most painful ones for Thailand was the monetary crisis of 1997 that spread across the region and saw economies crash right across Asia. This crisis was nicknamed the ‘Tom Yum Goong’ crisis because of it’s start when the Thai Baht collapsed, to more recent economic crises

Governments have come and gone, economies have risen and fallen and the Thai Baht has gone up and down. One thing however has stayed constant. Foreign tourists love Thailand and many of them are prepared to come rain, hail or shine.

Business as Usual

Right now, anyone living in Bangkok can tell you that for most of the time, it is business is usual. All the shopping centres are open, the key tourist attractions including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Prakaew) and Chatuchak Market are all operating as they would any other day of the year.

Protests are usually announced in advance. Most of the anti-government protests tend to be around the Ratchadamnoern (Government House) area of the city. When protests do make it to the main intersections around the Sukhumvit area, they are usually announced in advance and are in the form of marches that slowly migrate from one part of the city to another.

Many of the protests around the Business District of Bangkok up until now have been lasting for only a few hours, usually around lunch time where many office workers will spend their lunch break down at the rallies and then hop back on the BTS and go back to work for the rest of the afternoon.

The pro-government protesters did assemble briefly in early December 2013 around the Rachamankala Stadium, but quickly decided to close up shop to avoid any further physical conflict.

The next surge of anti-government demonstrations are scheduled for January 5-8, 2014, then if things go to ‘plan’, he warns that they will bring Bangkok to a complete shutdown on January 13. Suthep says that this shut down may last anywhere from five to 20 days.

While in the past, internet services have been interrupted the Communication Authority of Thailand’s (CAT) headquarters was under siege by anti-government protestors, there is no indication yet that services such as internet, electricity or water will be affected.

The Impact on Hotels

Hotel General Managers from around Bangkok have mentioned that they are concerned about the unusual number of cancellations that they have been receiving over the past two months. While prior to the protests these hotels were running at close to 100% occupancy rates, now many are running at anywhere between 35%-70%. One 153 room hotel in the downtown Sukhumvit area mentioned that they had received around USD$150,000 in cancellations during November and December of 2013. In response to these cancellations, many hotels are offering generous discounts.

So Should I Cancel My Trip?

Coming back to the original question and title of this article “Should I Cancel My Trip to Bangkok?”, If you are familiar with Bangkok and you are ok with disruptions to some services across the city, you can still enjoy the city as a tourist and even take advantage of the weak Thai Baht.

Right now businesses are running as usual, shopping centres are generally operating according to their normal business hours unless a particularly large demonstration is planned right at the location of a mall.

Come Jan 13, 2014, should the ‘lockdown of the city’ come to fruition, this advice might have to be revised.

To make the call whether or not to cancel your trip, keep up to date with news posts and read your country’s travel advisory for Thailand. If you do decide to travel to Bangkok, avoid the protest sites and you should feel little impact from the protests. With the protest areas enlarging running up to the 13^th of January, avoiding such areas may become more difficult.

Source: http://www.hotelierherald.com/cancel-trip-bangkok/

[David48]

Thanks for sharing that.

I stayed in lower Sukhumvit during that last protest ... it was OK.

Disappointing when some idiot lit the burning tyre on the BTS and then then restricted it hours and then closed the system.

Then they turned the phone cells off in certain areas.

Other minor inconveniences.

The Floods were much more difficult to deal with.

P.S. ... I arrive Friday week into Swampy, so I will follow this with interest.

Edited January 8, 2014 by David48

[GMeel]

I will fly into Don Meaung Airport on the 14th, what are the chances I will I be able to drive to Suvarnabhumi-Pattatya

Edited January 8, 2014 by GMeel

[billsmart]

If you're not already in Thailand I'd advise you to cancel any plans you have to fly into Bangkok. Go to the Philippines instead.

If you're already in Thailand I'd advise you to go to Bangkok.

[David48]

If you're not already in Thailand I'd advise you to cancel any plans you have to fly into Bangkok. Go to the Philippines instead.

If you're already in Thailand I'd advise you to go to Bangkok.

Bill, that is not so Smart advice ...

.

[happynthailand]

If you're not already in Thailand I'd advise you to cancel any plans you have to fly into Bangkok. Go to the Philippines instead.

If you're already in Thailand I'd advise you to go to Bangkok.

that last line doesn't make much sence

or I read it wrong

[GMeel]

No doesn't make much sense, again I am flying in (if planes can land into Don Meaung) and need to go to Chonburi. Is there a "road" around this problem.

[roadrunerboi]

Soi Cowboy is a good indicator... if dancing on the table continues, it is biz as usual in Bangkok...

555

[nbg]

Yes stay away, we want the town for ourselves for a while

[Loles]

If you're not already in Thailand I'd advise you to cancel any plans you have to fly into Bangkok. Go to the Philippines instead.

If you're already in Thailand I'd advise you to go to Bangkok.

dear Billm your advise it's not smart at all.

I guess the poster doesn't visit the "bread and circus for plebs" areas and other places are with out any problem.

Or you don't like guests ?

[Loles]

I will fly into Don Meaung Airport on the 14th, what are the chances I will I be able to drive to Suvarnabhumi-Pattatya

Your chance is 100 %, but what does mean: Suvarnabhumi-Pattaya ? Do you mean to use the n. 7. highway by car to Pattaya? This also 100% with out any problem.

Edited January 8, 2014 by Loles

[smileydude]

Everything is dandy as long as you don't wear yellow or red attire.

At least you don't have the risks of being abducted by radical jihadists like in the Phillipines or that unfortunate Taiwanese couple in a Malaysian Island. The most risk you'll have is going deaf from going near the whistleblowers but then again you'll have the benefit of free cuisine provided by supporters of the protest and readily handed out to anybody who walks by including tourists. Diarrhea is of course complimentary.

[PaulHamon]

i would not worry, 99% of the population of Bangkok is going about there regular day.

[steveyinasia]

I will fly into Don Meaung Airport on the 14th, what are the chances I will I be able to drive to Suvarnabhumi-Pattatya

Take the toll road out of Don Meaung and link up to the toll for Swampy and Pattaya, you will miss all the problems.

[GMeel]

I will fly into Don Meaung Airport on the 14th, what are the chances I will I be able to drive to Suvarnabhumi-Pattatya

Your chance is 100 %, but what does mean: Suvarnabhumi-Pattaya ? Do you mean to use the n. 7. highway by car to Pattaya? This also 100% with out any problem.

Yes exactly, need to get to highway 7 from Don Meaung (by car to Pattaya) but feel this will be impossible?

[SLESQ]

Being a long-time (14 year) retired resident, first in Bangkok and for the past 10 years in Chiang Mai, being a war veteran (Vietnam), and the father of four children, I am risk adverse and thus have already early-registered my cars (both due in late January) in case the Ministries are shut down, and ushered two of my sons already on long holidays in the Kingdom, to breeze into and out of Suvarnabhumi as they head to Chiang Mai, hoping they can return home via Lao or China if there is that need.

Yellow Generals are out of power and (reportedly) itching for it once more; Red Generals in power should be able to keep the nation calm but... having been in 'my war" and not relishing another, I know well that Generals alone don't create chaos. Who controls the wills of the lower officers and enlisted ranks will get their troops to do what the troops will. Sometimes it's the least foreseeable who will take the lead. Some troops will follow the yellows and some will follow the reds. I would not presume the yellows in the armed force will take control. For the most part the troops come from families of the working poor or impoverished. These are for the most part, the reds.

Do you really think being in Bangkok, even Thailand, is so important that you want to risk being caught in that lemon squeezer? If my sons were not already here I'd tell them to stay home.

Edited January 8, 2014 by SLESQ

[steveyinasia]

Soi Cowboy is a good indicator... if dancing on the table continues, it is biz as usual in Bangkok...

555

Heading there tonight, will update on table status tomorrow

[David48]

Soi Cowboy is a good indicator... if dancing on the table continues, it is biz as usual in Bangkok...

555

Heading there tonight, will update on table status tomorrow

Stevey, Mate ... you are a legend ...

Now, not that I'm saying that your journalistic qualifications may have been acquired at a less then a University standard, but a Photo says it all.

So, if you can so indulge us, I, for one, would be appreciative ...

[skills32]

I will fly into Don Meaung Airport on the 14th, what are the chances I will I be able to drive to Suvarnabhumi-Pattatya

Pretty good.

[slipperylobster]

Everything is dandy as long as you don't wear yellow or red attire.

At least you don't have the risks of being abducted by radical jihadists like in the Phillipines or that unfortunate Taiwanese couple in a Malaysian Island. The most risk you'll have is going deaf from going near the whistleblowers but then again you'll have the benefit of free cuisine provided by supporters of the protest and readily handed out to anybody who walks by including tourists. Diarrhea is of course complimentary.

How about my polo shirt...it has red and yellow stripes....will that work?

[SailingHome]

Everything is dandy as long as you don't wear yellow or red attire.

At least you don't have the risks of being abducted by radical jihadists like in the Phillipines or that unfortunate Taiwanese couple in a Malaysian Island. The most risk you'll have is going deaf from going near the whistleblowers but then again you'll have the benefit of free cuisine provided by supporters of the protest and readily handed out to anybody who walks by including tourists. Diarrhea is of course complimentary.

How about my polo shirt...it has red and yellow stripes....will that work?

Only if you pin a Thai flag to the back so they know what you mean ;-)

[nycjoe]

there is an hourly update through thailand tourism website;

http://www.tatnews.org/category/tat-releases/situation-update/

Usually if you avoid the protest areas you should be OK.

But I say usually.

[nycjoe]

stay in the farang ghettos

[Chicken George]

Don't come.. Been here 12 years and this time I think its different! Sort of shit or bust. I think this time things will get completely out of control. Just not worth the risk.

[techboy]

This is an excellent post. It is objective, gives those trying to make a travel decision a historical context as well as current information.

[AlanL1275]

I live 300 meters from Ramkhamhaeng Rd, in front of Ramkhamhaeng University. When the mess was going on at the Stadium beside the university a couple of weeks back, I did not notice a thing. I simply came and went in the opposite direction. Town In Town.

During the big one 3 years ago I was not impacted, I just didn't go to the area that had the problems.

[Chicken George]

Maybe a hardened traveller on his own and only himself to look after then ok the risk is yours come. But my advice is do not come with family or loved ones. Just really not worth the risk.

[Greer]

No doesn't make much sense, again I am flying in (if planes can land into Don Meaung) and need to go to Chonburi. Is there a "road" around this problem.

There are other ways to get from DM to Chonburi, rather than take the main roads - there are the tollways for a start - not very expensive and unlikely to be affected. If the road southwards toward the city is blocked, then you can go the other way north to Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road and turn east to the outer ring road, then south on that until you hit the tollway heading to Chonburi.

Also you could head north not quite as far as Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok but turn right (almost a u-turn) when Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd merges with Phahonyothin Road, head south on that (not far) to the intersection with Lam Luk Ka Rd and again follow that till you get to the Outer Ring Road etc.

Have a nice trip.

[Greer]

Being a long-time (14 year) retired resident, first in Bangkok and for the past 10 years in Chiang Mai, being a war veteran (Vietnam), and the father of four children, I am risk adverse and thus have already early-registered my cars (both due in late January) in case the Ministries are shut down, and ushered two of my sons already on long holidays in the Kingdom, to breeze into and out of Suvarnabhumi as they head to Chiang Mai, hoping they can return home via Lao or China if there is that need.

Yellow Generals are out of power and (reportedly) itching for it once more; Red Generals in power should be able to keep the nation calm but... having been in 'my war" and not relishing another, I know well that Generals alone don't create chaos. Who controls the wills of the lower officers and enlisted ranks will get their troops to do what the troops will. Sometimes it's the least foreseeable who will take the lead. Some troops will follow the yellows and some will follow the reds. I would not presume the yellows in the armed force will take control. For the most part the troops come from families of the working poor or impoverished. These are for the most part, the reds.

Do you really think being in Bangkok, even Thailand, is so important that you want to risk being caught in that lemon squeezer? If my sons were not already here I'd tell them to stay home.

Wow you really are risk-averse, but I think everyone is seeing problems that don't exist.

I have lived in Bangkok for 21 years and the only time I was concerned for the safety of anyone, was during the 2010 thing, and then I was only really concerned about people attending the protests (either side) - but if you were a kilometer or two away (as I was) you wouldn't know much about it (except for the fires from the arsonists).

Bangkok is totally business as usual, and if anyone os going elsewhere in the kingdom, there is no issue there either - just be sensible and if you see a protest march, keep clear - simple.

[bunuel]

Excellent advice from someone who obviously knows what he is talking about.

Bottom line is that no one knows exacty what will happen, but any travel industry professional would recommend avoiding unnecessary travel to Bangkok under these circumstances - as have the embassies.

I have been traveling to hot spots around the world for a few decades writing about tourism development and travel safety , and do not scare easily. In current conditions, however, my family will not go to Bangkok at all until this conflict is resolved. I have been in Thailand for almost 10 years, and I have never seen greater risk for violent internal conflict . The government, much to their credit, has thus far shown a willingness to compromise but the protesters have yet to show any interest in compromise. Instead, they seem intent uöon provoking violence from the govenrment and their supporters. Thus far government and police reaction has been remarkably restrained ; however, if anything happens to the democratically elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra, things could get very ugly in hurry.

Needless to say, I pray that the protagonists find a path to peaceful negitiation, and that cooler heads prevail. Until then, however, I would recommend staying out of Bangkok.

uote name="SLESQ" post="7262828" timestamp="1389169138"]

Being a long-time (14 year) retired resident, first in Bangkok and for the past 10 years in Chiang Mai, being a war veteran (Vietnam), and the father of four children, I am risk adverse and thus have already early-registered my cars (both due in late January) in case the Ministries are shut down, and ushered two of my sons already on long holidays in the Kingdom, to breeze into and out of Suvarnabhumi as they head to Chiang Mai, hoping they can return home via Lao or China if there is that need.

Yellow Generals are out of power and (reportedly) itching for it once more; Red Generals in power should be able to keep the nation calm but... having been in 'my war" and not relishing another, I know well that Generals alone don't create chaos. Who controls the wills of the lower officers and enlisted ranks will get their troops to do what the troops will. Sometimes it's the least foreseeable who will take the lead. Some troops will follow the yellows and some will follow the reds. I would not presume the yellows in the armed force will take control. For the most part the troops come from families of the working poor or impoverished. These are for the most part, the reds.

Do you really think being in Bangkok, even Thailand, is so important that you want to risk being caught in that lemon squeezer? If my sons were not already here I'd tell them to stay home.