A number of protesters are rallying at the Royal Police on Rama I Road.
As the nation prepares for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej‘s birthday tomorrow (5 December 2013), a big cleaning activity has been arranged today on Ratchadamnoen Avenue in Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin Island. Officials and protesters are seen helping each other in cleaning the royal boulevard during this morning.
According to local media reports, the anti-government protesters will continue their protests after 5 December 2013. Their five main stages remain at the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, Ministry of Finance on Rama VI Road, Government Complex on Chaengwattana Road, Nang Lerng Junction on Nakhonsawan-Phitsanulok Roads and Makkawan Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue.
For tourists visiting the kingdom, it should be stressed that tourists have not been targeted in the ongoing political protests. Despite the protests, most attractions in Bangkok and throughout Thailand are open and operating as per normal.
Tourists are advised to be vigilant and avoid areas where crowds may gather. Tourists are also advised to check travel routes and road traffic situation to avoid getting caught in traffic or they can use other means of transportation to getting around in Bangkok, including BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link’s Express and City Lines, and water-transport.
It’s business as usual in Thailand.
Life in the Thai capital and all other areas of Thailand continues as per normal. Tourist attractions and activities as well as businesses in Bangkok and other provinces are open and operating as usual.
Tourist attractions are open and operating as per normal.
In Bangkok
Historical attractions, theme parks, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, local markets, temples and river tours are open and operating as per normal.
To avoid heavy road traffic at certain times, tourists can use BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, ferry, boats and hotel’s converted rice barges to many attractions, such as, the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of Dawn, ASIATIQUE The Riverfront, Siam Paragon, CentralWorld and Terminal 21 Shopping Complexes.
Outside of Bangkok
Tourist activities in Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ko Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phang-nga and Krabi, for instance, are operating as per normal.
For live images of Thai tourist destinations, check out these THAI LIVE CAM streaming cameras that present a number of stunning preset views of Thailand’s most famous and popular cities.
Transportation
International and domestic airlines are operating flights between Bangkok and Thai cities, as well as destinations around the world, as per normal.
Thailand’s main gateway, Suvarnabhumi Airport, in Bangkok and all other international and domestic airports throughout the country are operating as per normal. Transportation to and from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports into central Bangkok as well as into tourist destinations southeast and southwest of Bangkok; such as, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ko Samet and Ko Chang are operating as per normal.
Suvarnabhumi Airport has advised air travellers of possible heavy road traffic and a lack of taxis resulting from the protests in Bangkok. Commuters are advised to use public transport such as BTS Skytrain, Airport Rail Link, public buses and vans, and limousine services. Air travellers are also advised to allocate more time before flight depart or at least three hours.
In addition, Suvarnabhumi Airport has opened a passenger centre at the CIP 5 room on the 3rd floor of the passenger terminal to provide assistance to passengers whose air travels have been affected by the protests. Air travellers can contact the centre through Tel: +66 (0) 2 132 1999, Fax: +66 (0) 2132 8999. To check flight schedule, air travellers can contact Tel: +66 (0) 2132 1888. The centre and all contact numbers are available 24 hours daily.
The State Railway of Thailand and the Transport Co., Ltd., (inter-provincial bus service) are operating as per normal. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority is operating its city bus routes as per normal, although some routes are temporarily rerouted.
There is no reason at all to avoid Bangkok. However, tourist can also spend their holidays in other Thai cities, which are located within 1 or 2 hour travelling time from Bangkok through direct connecting flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Government measures
The Thai Government has invoked the Internal Security Act (ISA) in all districts of Bangkok and Nonthaburi, Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan and Lat Lum Kaeo district of Pathum Thani until 31 December 2013 to maintain law and order.
The law does not prohibit nor obstruct peaceful demonstration held within the bounds of the law, but it enables security agencies – police, military and civilian – to effectively prevent and mitigate, as much as possible, undue disruption or impact on the safety of the general public.
Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has urged all sides to jointly find means to end the ongoing political problem.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
