Bangkok resumes normality although curfew is still in place
Last updated 8/13/2010 10:09:17 AM
Photo © Thailand Tourism Authority
The situation in Bangkok has stabilized although curfew is still being imposed in the Thai capital and 23 other provinces for two more nights.
For about four weeks since April, the city had seen protests between the Red Shirts and the Yellow Shirts that escalated into street violence.
A few major shopping centres such as Central World, Center One, Siam Theatre and Big C Rajdamri were destroyed by protesters, after the government resorted to using military force to contain widespread arson and grenade attacks in key locations.
Tourism Thailand, the official portal for Thailand tourism industry had issued a statement saying that the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) was able to put the overall situation under control. The military and police officers had already halted their operations without making further advance.
However CRES spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said, the curfew timeframe has been changed, banning people from leaving their homes between 11pm and 4am.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website stated on 25 May, “The overall level of the advice has not changed; we advise against all travel to specific parts of Thailand, including Bangkok. We advise against all but essential travel to other specific parts of Thailand, including Chiang Mai.”
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration had organized a big cleaning day for the capital Bangkok on Sunday May 23rd volunteered by about 2,000 people including some foreigners to help restore normalcy for the tourism sector.
Public transportation services have also resumed. Public bus services were back in operation on 21 May. The elevated BTS Skytrain and the MRT Subway system resumed service on Sunday 23 May.
Lonely Planet website is advising travellers to still exercise extreme caution. “The security situation in Bangkok has become more stable however parts of central Bangkok are still cordoned off and a state of emergency is still in place.”
A few travellers have informed Optimist Travel that the southern part of Thailand is not affected by the unrest and tourism activities continue in peace.
A source from Bangkok told Optimist World, “Foreigners should avoid discussing the political situation while in Bangkok at the moment, as it may upset some people.” Travellers are advised to avoid creating debate about the current political situation as it is still very sensitive and can cause complications.
It is said that the local mood towards foreign press is not too welcoming as there were too many negative coverage on Bangkok recently.
The destruction of the shopping malls and early evening curfew are hampering the tourism industry as Bangkok is widely known as a bargain shopping city.
“At least people can still enjoy the great food scene that Bangkok still has,” said the source.
More Optimist Travel
Travellers can find up-to-date information on these websites:
http://www.tourismthailand.org/thailandtourismupdate/
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/bangkok
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/thailand