Bangkok shutdown

[eosphoros]

Ahh I wasn't aware that the airport was shut down by protesters in the past.

 

[N860CR]

So far it's ops normal here in Silom. Haven't seen any army action as yet around town or on the drive from BKK.

interesting to note, though, that they aren't setting up the night bazaar. First time I've seen that.

 

[Colster]

My employer has just cancelled a Conf that was in BKK then moved to HKT as a result of the Coup. Estimated spend of over 200k has disapeared from the thai economy. This was for June 9. Can't imagine how many others have reacted similarly. Feeling for those in the services industry across Thailand.

 

[joyvee]

Thai airlines timetables to stay as is during curfew Just read this email which arrived today.

Here's what's happening this month : THAI confirms normal flight operations during curfew; 54th Anniversary Sale is on now, ROP "Save and Go Awards"; upgrade at Angsana coughet; new Star Alliance Round the World Fares and an appeal for the Sherpas... From all of us at THAI, we wish you safe and happy travels. THAI Sales and Marketing Team Australia.

 

[JohnK]

Can't imagine how many others have reacted similarly. Feeling for those in the services industry across Thailand.

I was going to say this coup may end being for the best but there is no doubt Thailand tourism is going to be hit. I know people who haven't returned since last time. Each low season there are less and less farangs.

But don't worry the Russians, Chinese and Koreans will save them.

 

[moa999]

Surprised the THB hasn't been hit.

I thought farang referred to anyone non-Thai (inc Russians, Chinese, Koreans etc)....
No racism, just not one of them

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Surprised the THB hasn't been hit.

I thought farang referred to anyone non-Thai (inc Russians, Chinese, Koreans etc)....
No racism, just not one of them

The thb has been hit a bit but the aud has been hit too so you dont notice.

Farangs are people of European ancestry

 

[boomy]

I was going to say this coup may end being for the best but there is no doubt Thailand tourism is going to be hit. I know people who haven't returned since last time. Each low season there are less and less farangs.

But don't worry the Russians, Chinese and Koreans will save them.

Times must have changed. My memories are mostly of drunk Aussies and Pommies.
Are Vodka and Soju the new popular spirits now on the islands of Thailand?

 

[JohnK]

I thought farang referred to anyone non-Thai (inc Russians, Chinese, Koreans etc)....
No racism, just not one of them

As far as I am aware Asians are not farang.

Not sure about Russians

 

[Archphoto]

As far as I am aware Asians are not farang.

Not sure about Russians

All foreigners are Farangs except Asians.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Times must have changed. My memories are mostly of drunk Aussies and Pommies.
Are Vodka and Soju the new popular spirits now on the islands of Thailand?

The Russians have been there for many many years. Pattaya in particular

 

[joyvee]

"Farang" is supposedly derived from Thai word for Frenchman.

 

[joyvee]

Small group of Thais protesting near National Stadium BTS against coup have now been "moved on" not so gently by the military.

Read about it on Richard barrow's Tweet
https://twitter.com/RichardBarrow

 

[JohnK]

Times must have changed. My memories are mostly of drunk Aussies and Pommies.
Are Vodka and Soju the new popular spirits now on the islands of Thailand?

Who are you calling drunk?

Russians have been around for a few years but think Jetstar customers on a package tour on a really tight budget. They try to bargain for 43 baht Chang beer in 7-Eleven.

I see them walking around at nights studying menus for 3-5 minutes without eating. They sit around in a big group outside the hotel drinking cheap scotch/vodka.

Most Thai business owners are learning Russian in a bid to get some business from them.

As for Koreans that is another story. Personally I think it is about as low as you can get but that is life. The going rate for caddy tip is about 300 tip for a round of golf. Many farangs I know pay 500 baht or more. I have heard stories of Koreans staying in resorts and getting up at 5:00am for golf and playing 2 rounds of golf as it is unlimited golf and tipping 150 baht for the day.

It is also customary for the golfer to buy the caddie a drink. Some buy them more than 1 drink up to them. I have played golf with Asians who buy nothing.

I guess it is all relative.

 

[boomy]

The Russians have been there for many many years. Pattaya in particular

Right, I forgot about Pattaya. Stayed there a few years back at the Marriott near the infamous "Walking Street".
Things I witnessed in that area... Yikes!

 

[N860CR]

Bit of a battle getting to the airport tonight. Drivers refused to leave the bangkok city area from about 7:30 onwards. Ended up getting the train to Lad Krabang, convincing a taxi driver to run me to the airport hotel my bags were at (lucky my Thai is ok) and he then dropped us to the airport at about 930. He said he lived near suvarabhumi so it wasn't so bad. I generally don't tip excessively but let's say he had a good night at work! My heart rate was rising a bit when it was getting very difficult to leave the city.

For those interested, I managed to pass through thai immigration on a CX-CX connection a few days ago without paying the tax (both boarding passes issued in SIN) and again had no issues tonight with a CX-RJ connection (bags rechecked this evening and checkin processed by RJ)

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Was the airport skytrain not operating?

 

[serfty]

Maybe the sky train is closing along with the BTS?

Staying in Ploenchit since yesterday. BTS station was to close at 9:00 tonight, an hour prior to curfew but hotel staff informed us that it closed sooner at 8:00 pm.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Maybe the sky train is closing along with the BTS?

Ill report on the skytrain availability on monday evening. Hoping to use it at 1930 or so from bkk . Ive heard its operating til 9pm

 

[yohy?!]

Watching this thread with interest now to see if a long weekend in hua hin is viable...all tours from HK have been cancelled so cx flights have opened up with lots of discount Y availability during the holiday weekend coming next week