Bangkok shutdown

[markis10]

Interesting time to be in Bangkok with the shutdown starting yesterday, thank goodness for the BTS, my Hotel was not approachable by road with the Stadium opposite full of people camping sleeping out. Immigration are handing out contact lists for police etc on arrival, despite arriving into one of the blockages which seemed to be getting fuller with people by the minute late last night, I didn't experience one hassle (except for all the ****** steps up and down the train stations to be negotiated with luggage).

This is a typical photo of what outside looked like at (photo source as per the twitter handle on the image)

 

[boomy]

Just watched a report on CNN about the protests. They blocked a few major roads.
Looks like some tourists decided to make the best of the situation and join the "party".

 

[markis10]

Still going strong this morning, at 6.30 the crowd was similar to this photo from yesterday.

 

[JohnK]

I am glad I left last week. A friend is still there until the weekend without travel insurance so would be interesting to see how he gets on.

This cannot be good for tourism. Hope it blows over quickly.

 

[Pushka]

It happened about three years ago when my son was there. Election time.

 

[Hvr]

It happened about three years ago when my son was there. Election time.

Actually the demonstrators forced the PM to call the election with a threat to shut down the country. However, they don't actually want an election, they want to run a dictatorship with the name of a "people's council'.

As Johnk opined lets hope it blows over quickly and life can get back to normal.

This is because they will never get enough votes to form government.

 

[Homer]

Marge, the kids and I are in USM until Saturday with a (legal) one-hour connection TG to TG in BKK Saturday evening. I read on CNN today that despite initial promises to leave the airport alone, some protest leaders have signalled that this may change. I'm starting to feel as though we'll be lucky if our departure goes smoothly...

 

[joyvee]

lonely planet.com/thorn tree Thailand branch has great commentary and photos by stick man. Search heading, " Keep informed safe during Bangkok protest". He writes clearly, concisely and takes great photos. VVery objective, British guy married to Thai and speaks fluent Thai. Has series of wide ranging topicx. JoyV

 

[drron]

Also Richard barrow another Englishman with a good blog.According to him the leaders of the demo said an hour ago no threat to airport.
Everything You Need to Know About the Bangkok Shutdown | Richard Barrow in Thailand

 

[Happy Trails]

I'll be back next week.
As long as the airport stays open I'm not overly concerned.
Hoping it doesn't become too violent though.

 

[Cynicor]

Anyone going to be there Saturday 25th? I'm in the Conrad for 1 night. Hoping/expecting it to all be fine...

 

[markis10]

Anyone going to be there Saturday 25th? I'm in the Conrad for 1 night. Hoping/expecting it to all be fine...

If my experience Modnay and yesterday holds true in 11 days time then using the train will keep you clear from delays!

 

[Cynicor]

If my experience Modnay and yesterday holds true in 11 days time then using the train will keep you clear from delays!

Ah, ok then. Any chance you know how to get the train from BKK to the Conrad?

 

[markis10]

Ah, ok then. Any chance you know how to get the train from BKK to the Conrad?

Nearest BTS station is Phloen Chit, catch the airport train to Phaya Thai for 45 Baht, then get catch the Bearing line BTS, should be 30 or so Baht. Airport to Phaya Thai is around 20 minutes, then the BTS should be 10 or so.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bangkok-transit-map.svg

 

[Hvr]

Ah, ok then. Any chance you know how to get the train from BKK to the Conrad?

Nearest BTS station is Phloen Chit, catch the airport train to Phaya Thai for 45 Baht, then get catch the Bearing line BTS, should be 30 or so Baht. Airport to Phaya Thai is around 20 minutes, then the BTS should be 10 or so.

File:Bangkok-transit-map.svg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

And at Phloen Chit (E2) the Conrad run a bus the short distance to the hotel. It runs every 20 minutes or so.

 

[markis10]

And at Phloen Chit (E2) the Conrad run a bus the short distance to the hotel. It runs every 20 minutes or so.

I don't think the bus will run if the road is blocked!

 

[Hvr]

I don't think the bus will run if the road is blocked!

The blockages will occur at Asok and the bus runs in the back streets, turns onto Sukhumvit road just before the BTS station and then turns left down its road.

Barely on Sukhumvit road and not really near the blockade areas. Should run unless there are exigent circumstances affecting the immediate area.

 

[markis10]

The blockages will occur at Asok and the bus runs in the back streets, turns onto Sukhumvit road just before the BTS station and then turns left down its road.

Barely on Sukhumvit road and not really near the blockade areas. Should run unless there are exigent circumstances affecting the immediate area.

What I mean is the back roads near the protests are blocked as well for support vehicles etc, at least they were at MBK for about 2km in each direction on Monday.

 

[JohnK]

And at Phloen Chit (E2) the Conrad run a bus the short distance to the hotel. It runs every 20 minutes or so.

I thought I could see the Conrad from Phloen Chit a couple of weeks ago. Didn't look too far.

 

[joyvee]

The Nation - BKK newspaper' reported that 36 demonstrators were injured today in a bomb blast in broad daylight - lunchtime.
Loose canons or radical disruptioners are dangerously unpredictable. My thoughts go out to those peaceful demonstrators who were injured. Unpredictable violence is difficult to avoid.
JoyV