he application of the Internal Security Act by the Thai Government to three districts in Bangkok old town affect tourism in this part of the capital. Museums remain closed, streets are blocked and only policemen are for now visible. However, the ISA is due to be lifted by August 10…
BANGKOK- “We will remain closed under further notice” said the female voice on the phone. For almost a week now, the newly opened Thai Royal Police museum located in the beautiful Parusakawan Palace has remained closed to the public. And there is no indication that the Palace will reopen anytime soon despite the promise by the Thai Prime Minister to lift the Internal Security Act, which is in application in three districts of Bangkok historical town.
The ISA is a law which permits to suspend any type of demonstration or large people’s gathering in a specific area. The ISA has been imposed by the Government over Bangkok three historical districts since August 1st and is supposed to be lifted this week end. The police is endorsed with the task of preventing protesters from trespassing on the grounds of any state agency and law will be strictly enforced against any violators.
Parukasawan Palace is not the only concerned by the ISA. One of Thailand’s most visited monument, the Vinmanmek Mansion, has also closed temporarily to the public as well as a few other monuments. Traffic has been diverted, especially as Ratchadamnoen Noi Avenue, which links the majestic structure of the Ananta Samathorn Throne Hall to Bangkok’s Royal Palace and Ratchadamnoen Road has now been closed to the public. The massive police force presence is in fact due to the location in this area of the Government House and of the Residence of the Prime Minister.
For the touristsn visiting the historical Dusit and Phra Nakhon districts can turn into a nightmare. Cars are blocked to enter parts of the area as well as Tuk tuks and motorcycles. If tourists can finally manage to find a transportation mean to go around, they might end up in front of the fences as moto-taxis or tuk tuk refuse to take passengers to the area.
It is only to be hoped now that the ISA will effectively be terminated this coming next week. Or Thailand tourism might lose out a non negligible part of its Bangkok revenues.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
