Travel Alert : Thailand civil unrest
THAILAND | Thursday, 27 November 2008 | Views [1707] | Comments [3]
This is a very brief overview of the developing situation in Bangkok, Thailand. We are keeping an eye on the situation, so come back for regular updates
What's happening in Thailand:
" Anti-government protesters stormed the control tower at Bangkok's main international airport on Wednesday 26 Nov...
... A series of small bomb blasts wounded several anti-government
protesters blockading the airport on Wednesday, protest leaders said,
as chaos ruled inside the terminal..."
From Reuters Alert Net (26 Nov 2008 06:04:35 GMT)
These disturbances are as a result of internal domestic issues. Although foreigners have been affected by travel delays, there have
been no reported attacks or acts of violence directed towards
foreigners.
How does this affect travellers?
" Thai Airways, the national carrier, said 16 inbound flights had been
diverted to Bangkok's old airport Don Muang, 45 kms from Suvarnabhumi,
and another three flights to a Vietnam War-era airbase 150 kms
southeast of Bangkok.
Budget carrier Air Asia, Singapore
Airlines and Cathay Pacific halted service to the Thai capital, a major
regional hub with 125,000 passengers passing through Suvarnabhumi daily."
From Reuters Alert Net (26 Nov 2008 06:04:35 GMT)
What is the official Govt Travel Advice?
This data can change frequently, so please check your local Government's website. Also, register with your foreign affairs department so they can more easily find you in the event of an emergency.
Australian Govt
UK Govt - Foreign & Commonwealth Office
US Dept of State
Canada - Foreign Affairs & International Trade
What should you do?
WorldNomads.com's Insurance Director, Graham Kingaby gives this advice to travellers in Bangkok or thinking of travelling there...
- Avoid all political gatherings or demonstrations
- Avoid areas in and around government buildings, particularly around Govt House and Parliament and Police HQ.
- Don't hang around Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang Airports unless travelling
- Keep an eye on the airline websites if you are travelling through Bangkok to find out about travel disruptions or redirections
- Advise friends and family of your location via phone, email or on your travel blog, just in case the situation deteriorates
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The WorldNomads.com website will continue to monitor this situation in the SafetyHub blog.
Members of WorldNomads.com (you can sign up for FREE here) affected by this problem can call red24 on +27 21 700 3860 24/7 to get personal safety advice.
Tags: travel safety, thailand, bangkok, civil unrest, bangkok airport
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