Early nights in Bangkok as coup tames tourist party - Focus

by Kelly MACNAMARA

BANGKOK, May 24, 2014 (AFP) - Foreign tourists navigating Bangkok's temples lamented the taming effect of a military coup on the city's rowdy nightlife but otherwise shrugged off any safety fears despite warnings by foreign governments.

As a junta closed its grip on power over the kingdom and soldiers keep watch in the capital, its historic heart was still busy with foreign holiday-makers ambling nonchalantly in Thailand's famed sunshine.

Many were largely unperturbed by Thursday's military overthrow of the civilian government of the "Land of Smiles", where months of escalating political unrest has dealt a heavy blow to its key tourism industry.

"We saw the bars closing -- it was weird to see everything closing because it never closes," Israeli student Maayan Sher, 22, said of the military-imposed 10 pm-5 am curfew.

Strolling near the city's Grand Palace with two friends on Friday she said "I didn't feel in any way threatened. We do understand that we are not the target."

Having recently finished military service herself, she said she felt more sympathy than fear for the rank-and-file troops caught up in the political drama.

- 'We want to party' -

But her friends admitted they were considering cutting short their stay in the city.

"It's not because we are scared but because everything is closing and we want to party," said Taluri Dvash, 26.

He had walked over to one of the city's main political protest sites after curfew on Thursday, hoping to witness exciting scenes, only to find disappointingly subdued food stalls serving calm patrons.

Thailand has been rocked by months of deadly political turmoil as protesters demanded the removal of the civilian government, effectively paralysing politics in the kingdom.

Thursday's military takeover -- the kingdom's 19th actual or attempted coup since 1932 -- saw a crackdown on civil liberties under martial law.

But international flights are still in operation, with those travelling to and from airports among the few exempt from the night curfew.

The army crackdown has drawn strong international opprobrium and warnings about travelling to the Southeast Asian holiday hotspot.

Locals interviewed by AFP had a broad range of reactions to the coup, but those whose businesses rely on tourism were largely negative.

"Curfew, no election. It is not good in Thailand now," said Amon, a driver of a "tuk tuk" taxi.

Tourist arrivals in the first four months of 2014 were down nearly 5 percent on a year earlier at 8.6 million, amid the political turmoil, according to official figures.

As a result, Thailand's economy shrank 0.6 percent year-on-year in January-March due to falling consumer confidence and the tourist slump.

China's 1.3 million arrivals from January to April marked an 18 percent drop, while Hong Kong visitors fell 42 percent and Japanese tourist numbers were nearly 20 percent lower.

China recommended visitors "raise their consciousness of danger" and "take stronger security measures" when travelling in the country.

The US embassy in Bangkok has recommended that its citizens "reconsider any non-essential travel to Thailand", while Britain warned of a "risk of a violent reaction" to the coup.

A briefing at the US State Department on Thursday took a mildly comedic turn when spokeswoman Jen Psaki was asked what people should do if they had honeymoons, bachelor and bachelorette parties planned in Thailand -- the location of the bawdy Hollywood movie "The Hangover: Part II".

Psaki said Americans were being advised not to depart.

"I'd advise any bachelor or bachelorette to consult our website," she added.

But honeymooners Robin and Brandon, who gave only their first names, said they were not overly worried.

"People here take a very calm approach, so if they are not worried then I am not worried. But it is a bit concerning," Robin said during a stroll among souvenir stalls in the Khao San Road tourist area.

The newlyweds, who arrived in the capital Wednesday and were due to fly to the Thai resort island of Samui on Saturday, said they had coped with the military-imposed overnight curfew by "just having a much earlier night".

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-05-24

It has never been so calm and peaceful, and our foreign managers think we have to cross 4 checkpoints while avoiding mortar to get to work, so there's no problem arriving at 11 and leaving at 4.

I wish there were coups d'État more often.

coming from israel..it should be like a stroll in the park..(once they have been cleaned of course)

No early nights at Koh Samui. Business as usual until the mornings . All bars etc stay open until sunrise.

Farang Toorist Chklist for the duration of coup (or what to do while couped up like a chicken)

1. Girl friendly hotel or guest house

2. Stock up on various brands of alcohol and mixers

3. Stock up on snacks

4. Stock up on noodles, pizza, and entrees from Raan Ahaan before curfew

5. Between 6 to 9 pm scout for your LT girlfriend for the evening.

6. Being duly stock up on all provisions, enjoy a nice evening of eating, watching movies, drinking, texting each other, and making whoopie

Rinse and repeat until money is gone or curfew is over.

its funny how noone in this forum cares about these party people . aweee.. booohoo.. is a coup ruining their fun? awe... what will i doo between the hours of 2000-and 0500hrs? buuut Johnny Walker wants my monnnneeeeeeyyy. I have to give them 100% (leaving me 0)%

try saving money, try socialising with friends. i played drunk risk last night. with my friends.

No early nights at Koh Samui. Business as usual until the mornings . All bars etc stay open until sunrise.

im packing my bags and see you there.

I wonder if this will affect the world cup bars next month?

Farang Toorist Chklist for the duration of coup (or what to do while couped up like a chicken)

1. Girl friendly hotel or guest house

2. Stock up on various brands of alcohol and mixers

3. Stock up on snacks

4. Stock up on noodles, pizza, and entrees from Raan Ahaan before curfew

5. Between 6 to 9 pm scout for your LT girlfriend for the evening.

6. Being duly stock up on all provisions, enjoy a nice evening of eating, watching movies, drinking, texting each other, and making whoopie

Rinse and repeat until money is gone or curfew is over.

Evidently the children quoted lack planning abilities (wonder how they made it to BKK?) in my younger military days curfews were a way of life - regardless, I usually managed to get laid, drunk and in the rack on time. Where there is a will.... there's a way.... (I usually refrain from using cliches.... but they are so handy when an original thought is not needed.)

How many coups?!

Early nights in Thailand?!

No World Cup?!

Or Is the bar owner now going to have to pay the army to open until late!

Coups will always happen in Thailand for the obvious reasons but totally agree with governments warning people, as they are responsible..

Now would be a good time to address human rights, because do humans actually have any in Thailand, really?

Apart from the generals...?

If anyone thinks bombs and fighting is in the capital, just go to the Deep South and see blood spilt daily, but this is ok?

No protesters there?

Caused by accepting Malaysian land after world war 2?

Did Thaksin really cause all 12 coups? Did Sudtep?

Anyway all foreigners need to voice opinions, their perspective especially when living in a controlled environment, but voicing it in public is not recommended!

So tourists you have been warned!

Farang Toorist Chklist for the duration of coup (or what to do while couped up like a chicken)

1. Girl friendly hotel or guest house

2. Stock up on various brands of alcohol and mixers

3. Stock up on snacks

4. Stock up on noodles, pizza, and entrees from Raan Ahaan before curfew

5. Between 6 to 9 pm scout for your LT girlfriend for the evening.

6. Being duly stock up on all provisions, enjoy a nice evening of eating, watching movies, drinking, texting each other, and making whoopie

Rinse and repeat until money is gone or curfew is over.

Evidently the children quoted lack planning abilities (wonder how they made it to BKK?) in my younger military days curfews were a way of life - regardless, I usually managed to get laid, drunk and in the rack on time. Where there is a will.... there's a way.... (I usually refrain from using cliches.... but they are so handy when an original thought is not needed.)

I'm with you, been there done that.

Before coup; going to the beach, watching movies, eating good food with friends.

During coup; going to the beach, watching movies, eating good food with friends.

Out after ten is a rarity and I don't drink, nothing changes here.

I doubt if the Army give a hoot whether the nightlife in parts of Bangkok continues after 11pm or not.

You don't get too many protestesters armed with ak47's floating about Sukhumvit it' simply not the done thing for some reason.

Even when the protesters blocked off Asoke there was never a hint of any trouble like there was elsewhere.

It comes as no surprise to hear many places were open until the early hours and tonight I would expect it will be the same

This is sad, so many Thai's make there livings after 10:00. Bartenders, Bands, Food service, Tuk-Tuk drivers and a lot more. No TV or internet, no groups of 5 or more outside, what are they suppose to do? Soon those people will not be buying things from people that work in the daytime, all we'll be hurt in the end. So Sad!

Eventually elections will take place.

Where will they find the right people to reform Thailand?.

Who will they trust?

the whole country would be happier if they ended the curfew now!

This is sad, so many Thai's make there livings after 10:00. Bartenders, Bands, Food service, Tuk-Tuk drivers and a lot more. No TV or internet, no groups of 5 or more outside, what are they suppose to do? Soon those people will not be buying things from people that work in the daytime, all we'll be hurt in the end. So Sad!

You forgot to mention all the hookers !!!!!!!!

CANDA

This is sad, so many Thai's make there livings after 10:00. Bartenders, Bands, Food service, Tuk-Tuk drivers and a lot more. No TV or internet, no groups of 5 or more outside, what are they suppose to do? Soon those people will not be buying things from people that work in the daytime, all we'll be hurt in the end. So Sad!

not sure where you get the no internet part or if you are right how i happen to be reading this.

If I was there now I probably wouldn't mind too much tbh. Would mean I am spending less money drinking and more time on tourist activities during the day.

I got back on Thursday evening and just left for Trat this morning. Life goes on in Bangkok, as it generally does when these things happen. I would guess they will lift the curfew when they have all the hotheads under control. Personally i feel a lot safer now The RTA are leading the country.

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Have a look in soi 4 ... Heidelberg bar open 24 / 7 ...get there early and jonny walker is waiting 555

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

the ladyboy muggers will be kept off the streets so passers by can rest easy about these pickpocketing scoundrals

Farang Toorist Chklist for the duration of coup (or what to do while couped up like a chicken)

1. Girl friendly hotel or guest house

2. Stock up on various brands of alcohol and mixers

3. Stock up on snacks

4. Stock up on noodles, pizza, and entrees from Raan Ahaan before curfew

5. Between 6 to 9 pm scout for your LT girlfriend for the evening.

6. Being duly stock up on all provisions, enjoy a nice evening of eating, watching movies, drinking, texting each other, and making whoopie

Rinse and repeat until money is gone or curfew is over.

ooo. I am screwed. Girl friendly hotels rule me out...lol

Marcusd. Via tapatalk

Its so blissful and calm. Why don't they do this every year to clear the air like the rain does with the weather - just saying' LOL !! (Joke)

It has never been so calm and peaceful, and our foreign managers think we have to cross 4 checkpoints while avoiding mortar to get to work, so there's no problem arriving at 11 and leaving at 4.

I wish there were coups d'État more often.

You wish, eh? May you be at the wrong place at the wrong time one day. Very cavalier and foolish.

How many coups?!

Early nights in Thailand?!

No World Cup?!

Or Is the bar owner now going to have to pay the army to open until late!

Coups will always happen in Thailand for the obvious reasons but totally agree with governments warning people, as they are responsible..

Now would be a good time to address human rights, because do humans actually have any in Thailand, really?

Apart from the generals...?

If anyone thinks bombs and fighting is in the capital, just go to the Deep South and see blood spilt daily, but this is ok?

No protesters there?

Caused by accepting Malaysian land after world war 2?

Did Thaksin really cause all 12 coups? Did Sudtep?

Anyway all foreigners need to voice opinions, their perspective especially when living in a controlled environment, but voicing it in public is not recommended!

So tourists you have been warned!

only Muslims in the south so,ho REALLY CARES????? and as for the warnings to,tourists... You too are warned

Marcusd. Via tapatalk

This is sad, so many Thai's make there livings after 10:00. Bartenders, Bands, Food service, Tuk-Tuk drivers and a lot more. No TV or internet, no groups of 5 or more outside, what are they suppose to do? Soon those people will not be buying things from people that work in the daytime, all we'll be hurt in the end. So Sad!

it might waken some of the people up that keep jacking up,prices too.

Marcusd. Via tapatalk

its funny how noone in this forum cares about these party people . aweee.. booohoo.. is a coup ruining their fun? awe... what will i doo between the hours of 2000-and 0500hrs? buuut Johnny Walker wants my monnnneeeeeeyyy. I have to give them 100% (leaving me 0)%

try saving money, try socialising with friends. i played drunk risk last night. with my friends.

So , you played alone .. !

Gosh, what language has this been written in?? As a non-native English speaker, i need to look up every second word in the dictionary:-) Not that it's bad, it is just surprising to run into words I probably never saw before...:-)

I wonder if this will affect the world cup bars next month?

i hope so.

I would rather watch paint dry