Travel Alert : Political Instability in Thailand
THAILAND | Tuesday, 14 April 2009 | Views [1178]
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:
From red24, Global Security Specialists
" A state of emergency was declared in Bangkok and surrounding areas on 12 April in an attempt to restore law and order after several days of anti-government protests in Bangkok and Pattaya, 100km south east of the capital.
Soldiers have been deployed at strategic sites around Bangkok, but an estimated 10,000 protesters are defying the state of emergency and camping at Government House in the city centre. At least 70 people were injured in clashes on 13 April between security forces and anti-government protesters near the Victory Monument to the north east of the city centre.
Anti-government protests have also been reported in other parts of the country, mainly in the north and north east, but these have remained peaceful thus far.
Travellers are advised to defer non-essential travel to Bangkok until the situation stabilises. Those already in the city or elsewhere in the country are advised to exercise extreme caution at this time, to monitor local media for the latest updates and to avoid all large gatherings due to the potential for violence."
From Reuters Alert Net (13 Apr 2009 19:16:23 GMT)
"Troops fired at crowds of anti-government protesters who fought back
with petrol bombs and rocks in Bangkok on Monday, in violence that
killed two people, injured dozens and pushed Thailand deeper into
political crisis"
"Monday's clashes occurred two days after protesters forced the
cancellation of a high-profile Asian summit in Thailand, a big
embarrassment for Abhisit who took office only in December."
How does this affect travellers?
SmartTraveller.com.au reports that at present,
"If you are in Bangkok or surrounding provinces, you should avoid
unnecessary travel around the city or province. If you are departing
Bangkok by plane, you should allow extra time to reach the airport in
case of traffic delays. Flights in and out of Bangkok have not been disrupted. Travellers
should check with airlines and other travel providers on scheduled
services.
"
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.
Tags: travel safety, travel alert, thailand travel alert, thailand, bangkok, civil unrest
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