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Despite the current anti-government rally being staged by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) ‘Red Shirt’ movement in the areas around Ratchaprasong Intersection in Bangkok, popular tourist destinations outside of Bangkok have not at all been affected.
The overall situation in Bangkok remained calm during the Songkran Thai New Year holidays. Lively Songkran Thai New Year celebrations in all key destinations around Thailand, including at Khao San Road, Bangkok City Hall and temples around Bangkok, continued as planned.
The UDD demonstrators vacated their initial protest site at Phan Fah Bridge on 14 April. The situation in the adjacent areas, including Khao San Road, has returned to normal. Ratchadamnoen Avenue and some of the roads adjacent to Ratchadamnoen Avenue have been re-opened to traffic.
For tourists visiting the Kingdom, it should be stressed that foreigners have not been targeted in the on-going political conflict. However, visitors and tourists are advised to be vigilant, follow news developments, exercise extra caution and avoid areas near the UDD rally site and areas where demonstrators gather.
The Royal Thai Government attaches priority to ensuring public safety, including that of foreigners residing in Thailand, and will continue to implement measures to ensure public safety, including checkpoints and patrols.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ 24-hour operation centre provides foreigners with further information. Please call +662-575-1023, +662-981-7225, +66-88-022-1540 or +66-88-022-1541.
Both city airports (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang) are operating as normal.
All other international and domestic airports in Thailand remain fully operational.
MICE venues in all other areas of Bangkok and around Thailand are also operating as normal.
The use of the Emergency Decree intended to enable the Government to restore normalcy in the various areas in Bangkok remains in effect as the government continues to work towards resolving the political situation.
Prime Minister Abhisit emphasised that the government’s aim is to restore normalcy and ensure the sanctity of the law, and all actions that will be taken will be in accordance with the law and international standards.
The Declaration of a Severe Emergency Situation covers areas of Bangkok and certain districts of five nearby provinces. These are:
– Nonthaburi province
– The districts of Muang, Bang Phli, Phra Pradang, Phra Samut Chedi, Bang Boh and Bang Sao Thong – Districts in Samut Prakan province
– nThe districts of Thanyaburi, Lad Lumkaew, Sam Kok, Lam Luk Ka and Khlong Luang in Pathum Thani province
– Phutthamonthon district in Nakhon Pathom province
– The districts of Wang Noi, Bang Pa-in, Bang Sai and Lat Bua Luang in Ayutthaya province
Prime Minister Abhisit emphasized that the government will use the law to create peace and order, but will use the law carefully. Clear instructions have been given to all security agencies that officers exercise the utmost restraint, and should the situation escalate, that they take a graduated response – from light to heavy measures – in accordance with internationally accepted practices, with due respect to human rights principles.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reiterated that he wants to see the country in a peaceful state but also accepts that different opinions still exist.
Following the incidents on 10 April, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stated on 12 April that the government would continue to work to resolve the current situation by, on the one hand, uncovering the facts about the 10 April incidents and, on the other hand, by working towards political solutions by addressing the legitimate demands made by the demonstrators.
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the measures taken under these regulations and directives do not affect the normal way of life of people or their activities, nor do they affect foreigners residing in or visiting Thailand.
Thai Tourism Industry representatives are on stand-by to provide round-the-clock assistance to foreign tourists and visitors.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand Tourism Intelligence Unit and Crisis Communication Centre (TIC) serves as an operations centre for state and private sector consultative meetings and joint planning sessions and enables TAT and representatives from the Thai tourism industry to plan and execute rapid and orchestrated responses. The TIC is currently being staffed 24 hours a day. Representatives from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourist Police, the Thai Hotels Association (THA), the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), and the General Insurance Association will also be on duty at the centre.
The TAT Hotline and Call Centre -1672- provides 24-hours service. TAT recommends that foreign tourists and visitors to Thailand call 1672 for tourist assistance. In the event that further coordination or facilitation is needed, they will be directed to the nearest TAT Tourist Information Centre.
TAT recommends that foreign tourists and visitors to Thailand call the 24-hour Tourist Police Hotline -1155- for the latest updates on traffic conditions and roads to avoid.
TravelDailyNews Asia-Pacific editorial team has an experience of over 35 years in B2B travel journalism as well as in tourism & hospitality marketing and communications.
