No violence but just hassle for the tourists visiting Bangkok. This is what ongoing protests against the government are generating for travellers as many of the historical sightseeing of the capital are just where crowds of angry Thais are currently demonstrating…
BANGKOK- The situation is not dramatic yet but is just creating some problems to travellers to the Thai capital. Ongoing protests for the last two weeks are disturbing Bangkok city centre, generating traffic jam and forcing some of the museums and public institutions to remain close. However, since the last week end- mounting protests in the Dusit/Phra Nakhon districts in Central Bangkok, have a more disturbing effect on visitors to the Thai capital.
While they are no violence targeting visitors – except a couple of bad behaving people like anywhere in the world- large crowds around Democracy Monument, next to famed sightseeing such as the Grand Palace, Wat Po or museums have a disturbing effect. They force the government to close roads to traffic, limiting the access for visitors. The only way is currently to come and leave by boat despite the fact that many museums closed their doors for the time being. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration already cancelled last week end all temples’ tours being offered to visitors.
At Bangkok airport, AOT has already warned of a possible shortage of taxis due to the ongoing protests who also attract lots of taxi drivers. The airport authority advises passengers to come by train to the airport.
Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia and Nok Air have all advised passengers to leave home early to catch their flights because the protests at various spots were causing traffic congestion which could delay air travellers’ arrival at the airport.
The rest of Thailand remains however totally safe and is ready to welcome travellers.
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.
