Mar 19

Security Stepped up at Airport

By Richard Barrow Email

Friday 19th March, 2010 | 249 words | Category: Bangkok | 5 feedbacks »

The red shirt protests in Bangkok have been going on for about a week now. By world standards, this must be one of the most peaceful mass protests ever. Only the Thai people can protest but keep smiling at the same time. The rally site is more like an outdoor concert at times. However, there is always the risk that small factions will take matters into their own hands. The latest press reports suggest that there is a split in the ranks as some people don't agree with the peaceful rally. What many of us are worried about is that a handful of people could try and instigate violence. On Saturday, the red shirts will be doing a 50 km long parade around Bangkok in order to drum up more support. The route has been roughly mapped out already and they won't be going anywhere near the airport. However, the army are not taking any chances. When I was over at Suvarnabhumi airport this afternoon, I passed a couple of checkpoints that were in the process of being set up. No-one wants a repeat of what happened when the yellow shirts shut down the airport. In addition to the airport, many government buildings around Thailand have also stepped up security. In the picture below you can see unarmed security guards directing traffic in front of Samut Prakan Provincial Hall. Despite all of this, Thailand is still a safe place for a holiday.

Map of Saturday's Red Shirt Parade Around Bangkok

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.

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Comment from: oakmonster · http://www.oakmonster.com
*****
My friend and her group are in Thailand right now enjoying themselves! She was to depart on Sunday night and she was debating up to the last minute. I told her she'd be just fine as long as she stay clear of the protest.

Yesterday she just did the Floating Market/Rose Garden tour. Earlier on she visited the Temple of Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace. She even paid a brave tuk-tuk driver B150 to take them as close to the action as he could, and he did! LOL Crazy girls.
20/03/2010 @ 04:14
Comment from: Pattaya Girls
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I'm supposed to fly in next week, really hope it's all over before then.
22/03/2010 @ 07:40
Comment from: Lemon Law
*****
This is a fantastic, It is glad to see this blog, nice informative blog, Thanks for share this article.
22/03/2010 @ 14:25
Comment from: super-jaat
from what i heard, there's no worries about protests b'cus they're just doing their own thing.
so ppl here just go along living their lives as usual, no worries!
25/03/2010 @ 11:06
Comment from: From Su'phan
*****
I'm glad I found your blog about the tribal war of the shirts in Thailand.
I appreciate it and will be following your posting.
Thanks
27/03/2010 @ 11:57

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