Demonstrations Update in Bangkok (14/11/13)

Demonstrations Update in Bangkok (14/11/13)

The demonstrations in Bangkok remain normal and are mainly taking places at the Democracy Monument, Phan Fa Bridge and Makkawan Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The mobilisations and gatherings of demonstrators in some other parts of the city may disrupt traffic at certain times.

Life in Bangkok and all other areas of Thailand continues as per normal. Tourist attractions and activities as well as businesses in Bangkok and other provinces are not affected, and continue as usual as seen in these THAI LIVE CAM streaming cameras that present a number of stunning preset views of Thailand’s most famous and popular destinations including Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Nong Khai.

While travelling within Bangkok and its vicinity, tourists are advised to check travel route and traffic situation as well as avoid areas where crowds may gather. This is because there may be traffic disruptions or delays and thus causing inconvenience.

Given the large number of people attending rallies on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, as well as near the Government House and Parliament, roads around or within the areas may be temporarily closed to traffic.

Security has been stepped up at importance places in Bangkok, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies and airports, and other provinces’ administration halls to prevent ill-intentioned people from inciting violence.

Tourists need not be alarmed of the presence of security forces and checkpoints in Bangkok. Police are deployed to provide security in the city. Traffic police are also stepping up efforts to ensure traffic flow in the city.

As a precautionary step to ensure order in Bangkok, the Thai Cabinet has approved the use of the Internal Security Act in three districts – Dusit, Phra Nakhon and Pom Prap Sattru Phai or areas surrounding the Government House and Parliament – until 30 November 2013.

In addition, the Ministry of Interior has authorised provincial governors to invoke the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act, where and when necessary, also as a precautionary measure to ensure law and order.

Both laws do not prohibit nor obstruct peaceful demonstration held within the bounds of the law, but they enable 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.

Thailand’s main gateway, Suvarnabhumi International 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 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. The State Railway of Thailand and the Transport Co., Ltd., (inter-provincial bus service) are operating as per normal.

International and domestic airlines are operating flights between Bangkok and Thai cities, as well as destinations around the world, as per normal.

Getting around Thailand
• Bangkok, located 30 kilometres from Suvarnabhumi Airport or 30 minutes by car or 15 minutes by Airport Rail Link. Mass transit networks including BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway and city buses are operating as usual.

• Chiang Mai, located 716 kilometres north of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or 7 hours 44 minutes by car or 1 hour 10 minutes by air

• Phuket, located 865 kilometres south of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or 9 hours 50 minutes by car or 1 hours 25 minutes by air

• Pattaya, located 120 kilometres southeast of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or 1 hour 17 minutes by car

• Hua Hin, located 227.5 kilometres southwest of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or 2 hour 40 minutes by car

• Koh Samui, located 804 kilometres southwest of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or 10 hours 34 minutes by car and ferry or 1 hour 5 minutes by air

• Khon Kaen, located 458 kilometres northeast of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or 5 hours by car or 55 minutes by air

• Nong Khai, located 630 kilometres northeast of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or 7 hours 5 minutes by car

Useful contact numbers:
Tourism Authority of Thailand Call Centre 1672
Thai Traffic Police Call Centre 1197
Thai Tourist Police Call Centre 1155
State Railway of Thailand Call Centre 1690
Transport Co., Ltd., (inter-provincial bus service) Call Centre 1490
Thai Airways International (THAI) Call Centre +66 (0) 2356 1111
Bangkok Airways Reservation Centre 1771
Nok Air Call Centre 1318
Thai AirAsia Call Centre +66 (0) 2515 9999

(Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand)

Wilson Ng