Is it safe to visit Bangkok

[Red Snake]

I plan to be making my first trip to Bangkok on 3 Feb 14. Is it safe to visit Bangkok or should I cancel or going to another destination in Thailand?

[In Search of Space]

Bangkok is fine, I live very close to the Silom blockade and other than a bit of noise in the evening it has a bit of a party atmosphere. The only negative part is the BTS is unusually busy, but I am planning to go over to Sukhumvit tonight, so I will see what it is like now. I hope that after the shooting in Bang Na yesterday the situation doesn't escalate out of control.

[i claudius]

My wife was there yesterday on buisness and we were both there 3 weeks ago ,didnt even notice that there was a problem ,in fact she got home earlier than normal due to light traffic.

[TechnikaIII]

The more people in Bangkok the better.

[LALes]

You should be more worried about the air pollution in BKK, which is as bad as its been in since last winter. AQI is up over 200 today in most of BKK.

Lots of people coughing everywhere. My nose, eyes and lungs are a mess. Staying indoors as much as possible.

[LucidLucifer]

Is Bangkok safe?

Just avoid the money grabbing bargirls, the wallet snatching ladyboys, the meterless rip-off taxis, gem shop scams, road transport in any shape or form, and don't under any circumstances whatsoever, make a Thai lose face.

If you can do that, you'll be fine.

P.S. It might also be a good idea to avoid political demonstrations, but that isn't a reason not to come........

[HardenedSoul]

No it's not safe in Bangkok. Go somewhere else.

[namdocmai]

You better read the news on the newspage. If i were you i would go elsewhere and maybe go to Thailand next year or so when things are cleared up.

[recycler]

You are not familiar with Bangkok so have no idea how to avoid the locations of the demonstrations.

3 February is the day after disputed elections, if they go on or not, there will be trouble.

Go somewhere else, anywhere outside of Bangkok there is no reason to worry more then normal.

[nakhonandy]

Not safe or unsafe really, depends on where you go.

As this is your first time I would recomend going somewhere else in Thailand, there are many options.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I live in BKK, and right now, by and large, it's about as safe as it ever is, in most places.

However, if I were a potential tourist, right now, I'd be staying away from Bangkok. The reason is, the government even today through Chalerm is talking about cracking down on the protesters occupying various government facilities with assault police after 72 hours.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699811-chalerm-tells-protesters-to-leave-govt-offices-in-72-hours-or-face-arrests/

Thus, if the police were to try that, it could lead to a serious deterioration of conditions and escalations of violence around the city. Likewise, the elections still scheduled for Feb. 2 could likewise change the current, reasonably calm atmosphere that currently exists.

Things might not deteriorate into serious violence, but you never know. If you're a tourist who still has a choice on whether to come or not on Feb. 3, I'd wait and see what happens this week, and/or go elsewhere until the protest situations in BKK are resolved, one way or another.

[smotherb]

Keep your plans to come to Thailand, just don't leave the airport and catch a local flight to somewhere else you want to visit.

A previous poster is right, Feb 3 may be a troublesome day, wouldn't want to jeopardize my vacation.

[mickjn]

I came about 5 days ago and stayed in Bangkok with my daughter in law who works in a big department store in BKK.I saw nothing wrong but she is shitting herself and wants to go home.

[Suradit69]

Is Bangkok safe?

Just avoid the money grabbing bargirls, the wallet snatching ladyboys, the meterless rip-off taxis, gem shop scams, road transport in any shape or form, and don't under any circumstances whatsoever, make a Thai lose face.

If you can do that, you'll be fine.

P.S. It might also be a good idea to avoid political demonstrations, but that isn't a reason not to come........

Just avoid the money grabbing bargirls, the wallet snatching ladyboys, the meterless rip-off taxis, gem shop scams, road transport in any shape or form, and don't under any circumstances whatsoever, make a Thai lose face.

And keep your distance from cranky old expats who want to make everyone as miserable as they are and who react with tantrums if it's even hinted that they might have lost face dealing with any Thai by (1) being easily fooled by bar girls or (2) getting up close & personal with a ladyboy or (3)don't have the sense to decide taxi fares before setting off or (4) who would end up in a gem shop recommended by a stranger or (5) who are clueless about how to deal with people without throwing a hissy fit that's more embarrassing for themselves than they realize.

In other words, Bangkok is safe for most reasonably intelligent adults who aren't wearing a "kick me" sign on their backs.

[ggt]

The fact that you are concerned about the possibility of getting into trouble in Bangkok...will by itself keep you from having the wonderful relaxing cultural experience you seek...devoid of apprehension...

I would recommend buying a ticket to Vietnam...stable gov't...cheap...friendly ladies...good food...and reasonably safe if you use a little common sense...

If you do stay in BKK...and are taken to Soi Cowboy...or any other tourist traps...be careful if you decide to buy one of the young ladies a drink...next thing you know...there are 5 or more other ladies raising their glasses and saluting you...you may think how friendly they are...until you get your bill...they will add drinks to your tab...put you in Bar Baht Shock and Awe!

[DGIE]

It is exciting here and thrilling. If you cancel your trip then you will regret later...

[expatoz]

trouble will escalate stay away is the only good advice here you have been warned !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Prbkk]

As this is your first visit to Bangkok, you might be better to consider another destination within Thailand. Although safety is not an issue right now, it may become so if the election is disrupted. ...and if safety is not an issue, getting around to see sights might be more difficult. Visiting Bangkok at this time could be a bit stressful and less enjoyable ...try an alternative if you can. Chiangmai is very nice at this time

[Red Snake]

I am meeting someone in Bangkok and she insist it is safe to come where she lives. We will only stay 2 days in Bangkok then fly to Krabi. Thanks for all your answers.

[iamariva1957]

I have been here when there were tank in the streets in BKK, and during the demonstrations a couple of years ago that turned into riots in some places and I have to say though this present situation is far from nice and makes for even slower traffic at times in certain areas, as well as the fact that I do take this seriously... I have to tell you that it is just fine to come to Thailand and spend some time wandering around BKK and enjoy. I lived in London during the '60 through late '70's and there were far greater risks there than there are here (what with the IRA, PLO, the anti-Vietnam War protests, Black September... well you get the idea). So come and enjoy. The up-side is that the prices are a bit lower, hotels deals are easier to get (try agoda.com) and the Baht is a bit lower against the G7 currencies. So I say, take advantage!

[JoeThePoster]

Always use the lift or take the stairs to go down to your hotel lobby.

[paulyao]

I have been here when there were tank in the streets in BKK, and during the demonstrations a couple of years ago that turned into riots in some places and I have to say though this present situation is far from nice and makes for even slower traffic at times in certain areas, as well as the fact that I do take this seriously... I have to tell you that it is just fine to come to Thailand and spend some time wandering around BKK and enjoy. I lived in London during the '60 through late '70's and there were far greater risks there than there are here (what with the IRA, PLO, the anti-Vietnam War protests, Black September... well you get the idea). So come and enjoy. The up-side is that the prices are a bit lower, hotels deals are easier to get (try agoda.com) and the Baht is a bit lower against the G7 currencies. So I say, take advantage!

what ?late 60 s and seventies and you did no mention the skinheads,football hooligans or the minewas yours where was you in your university bed sit with a load of long haired gits !!!