Mar 16

Thailand is Open as Normal

By Richard Barrow Email

Tuesday 16th March, 2010 | 365 words | Category: General | 4 feedbacks »

The red shirt protests have been going on in Bangkok for 4-5 days now. Countless thousands of protesters have been camped out along the Royal Avenue. The news hasn't received that much attention yet in the international press, mainly because there hasn't been any violence. Thailand is not like other countries as the citizens are mainly Buddhists. Their protests are largely symbolic. The picture above from Reuters is probably something similar that will run on the front pages tomorrow with the headline "Blood Spilled at Government House". But, no-one was hurt or injured. Thousands of red shirt supporters donated blood today for this Brahman ritual to curse the Thai government and to force the prime minister to dissolve government.

I attended both the yellow shirt and red shirt rallies to take pictures and I was impressed with their behaviour and general mood. Many people commented it was like a carnival atmosphere. There were even stalls selling souvenirs and bands playing songs on the stages. Some foreign tourists probably mistakenly thought that it was another colourful Thai festival. Despite this, and the fact that there has been no serious act of violence on the streets of Bangkok in the last five days, is is strange to hear that 35 countries have so far released travel advisories about Thailand. Some have even warned their citizens not to travel to Bangkok at all. I am not going to pretend that street fighting will never take place, but the odds of it happening is very small. In addition, foreign tourists have never been targeted in any protest.

Thailand and Bangkok are safe and there is no reason for you to cancel your holiday:

  • Both city airports (Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi) are operating as normal
  • All other international and domestic airports in Thailand remain fully operational
  • Tourist attractions in the city remain open for business
  • Shopping malls are open
  • MICE venues are open

I will be posting regular updates of breaking news on Twitter @RichardBarrow

Be safe by keeping an eye on the news and staying away from the main protest sites that I have marked on this google map. If you face any problems them use the 24 hour tourist hotline 1672.

Do you have any questions about Thailand? Maybe you are planning a holiday or just want to learn more about Thai culture. Have all of your questions answered for free at ThailandQA.com. These forums are part of the family friendly Paknam Web Network.

« Security Stepped up at AirportSamut Prakan Red March to Bangkok »
Comment from: Craig
****-
Last year my friend and I decided to head to Thailand because of the riots. Riots mean no tourists and by default that leaves more for us. The riots ceased while I was in the air and on my way but we were far ahead of any tourist mobilization.

We actually used this unusual strategy during SARS and that ended up being a gold mine vacation that I will be unlikely to ever match.

Since my vacation this year is in April I fear I will miss any riotous good fortune and have to share Thailand with the normal hoard.
17/03/2010 @ 00:41
Comment from: mirthseeker
"The news hasn't received that much attention yet in the international press, mainly because there hasn't been any violence."

Sorry Richard, you may be mis-informed.

Here in Melbourne Australia it has been a hot news item for the last few days. Currently the blood spilling is the fourth major item on the ABC news.

It has been font page news in "The Age" newspaper. Even the tabloid "Herald-Sun" has run an extensive article.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/16/2847631.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/15/2846568.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/15/2846165.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/14/2845378.htm
http://www.theage.com.au/world/red-shirt-protesters-warn-there-will-be-blood-20100316-qci9.html?autostart=1
http://www.theage.com.au/world/thai-pm-not-budging-as-red-protests-clog-streets-20100315-q9jr.html?autostart=1
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/thaksin-rally-issues-ultimatum-to-thai-government/story-e6frf7lf-1225840698829

And the travel advisories have had extensive coverage as well.

Of course, those of us who know Thailand well now know now that there has been no violence, and the protest is winding down, that it is quite safe to travel again. But when tourists see mis-information in your blog, they will be less likely to trust the real message you are trying to convey.
17/03/2010 @ 06:37
Comment from: Richard Barrow Email · http://www.richardbarrow.com
Thanks for your comment. I spoke to a number of old friends on Monday who don't have any particular interest in Thailand. They had no idea what was going on here. People like us will always zoom in on Thailand news however big or small. It looks like some countries are covering this more than others. Doing some research now I can see it is on the front page in many places but NOT all countries! That will obviously change if there is violence and death. Sad fact of life. Peaceful protests don't make the news.
17/03/2010 @ 10:17
Comment from: BritinBangkok · http://www.britinbangkok.typepad.com
*****
I actually hitched a ride with a truckload of red shirts last week, on their way to demonstrate against Abhisit, who was holed up at the 11th Regiment Military Barracks.

When our truck got there, there were at least 25,000 people with another 35,000 or so on the way. As far as I know, I was the only farang there - so had some great conversations and got awesome photos from the folks there. Completely peaceful and lots of fun. Plus, I walked the 7 kilometers back and got to see the other 35,000-plus on their way down Pahonyothin from Victory Monument. The procession went on, none-stop, for over 2 hours. Amazing!
22/03/2010 @ 19:09

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