The Bangkok situation

[extracta]

When the King steps in the situation will resolve.

 

[drron]

IC/HI & Hyatt are closed while the four seasons is running with minimum facilities according to press reports this morning, the IC and HI wont reopen before SAT.

Maybe the hotels have had word from the Army/Government-
Channel NewsAsia - Thai army warns protesters face live fire - channelnewsasia.com

Thailand's government has said it is intent on clearing out the "Red Shirt" protesters who are camped in Bangkok's main shopping district but has given no timeframe for the crackdown.

"Security forces will begin by firing tear gas and if they cannot stop protesters then soldiers will start taking decisive action with live bullets," Army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd said.

 

[meloz]

"Security forces will begin by firing tear gas and if they cannot stop protesters then soldiers will start taking decisive action with live bullets," Army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd said.

Let's hope they remember to be upwind this time.

Meloz

 

[drron]

Just received this email from SGS.Naturally they want me to keep my current reservation-
Dear Ron,

 

[simongr]

I have cancelled my team's upcoming trip to Thailand and that decision was welcomed by local management as a sensible approach.

 

[djfuzz]

We ended up spending last week in Bangkok, and I can pretty much echo what is stated in the letter. After assessing the alternatives given the escalating situation then, we thought we'd spend the first night in Bangkok and assess things on the ground, and it is a very different picture once there.

We were a little closer than Sukhumvit, near Victory Monument and Phaya Thai BTS, and our hotel wasn't as great at advance email correspondence. However, on the ground they were excellent, and provided very clear advice every day on the safe areas and places to avoid. Even as close as we were, our movements in and around the hotel, and traffic, were pretty much completely unaffected. We ended up doing everything we would have otherwise wanted to do in Bangkok, except visit some of the big shopping places like Paragon and Central World.

Mind you, I was on Thai Visa, Trip Advisor and The Nation every day sussing it out as things developed. It seems that despite the Reds holding out and continuing to do some pretty irrational things, it is generally okay to go anywhere but the Rajprasong area (though never completely safe, so caution is advised). Even MBK, which is right opposite where the barricades start, was pretty much fine - but other than changing BTS lines at Siam, you probably don't want to be inside their zone.

Of course, things may change quickly, but they do appear to be spooling down with the PM's latest announcement of the election timeframe, and though the Reds appear not to be moving, the sides seem to be a little less belligerent. But keep reading and monitoring changes of course!

 

[Mal]

I have just spent some time in HKT. Place was pretty quiet really. Tourists are scared away, although the German and Russian contingent still seems strong. While chatting to a staffer in a restaurant he said something similar to "So quiet. It's the red shirts in Bangkok", and let off a bit of a sigh.

Had no problems at all with my safety bar the usual "harassment" from certain ladies, and the usual touts around the place.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Im in Bangkok now, enjoying it. +1 to the above opinions including those of the SGS manager. It's a lovely time to be here with far fewer tourists around.

The red's may very well disperse today if the PM will give them one little bit more information they are demanding.

Today is the 60th anniversary of the Kings coronation. It is a holiday here and there is celebrations along ratchadamnoen nok.

 

[Bang4Buck]

I have just spent some time in HKT. Place was pretty quiet really. Tourists are scared away, although the German and Russian contingent still seems strong. While chatting to a staffer in a restaurant he said something similar to "So quiet. It's the red shirts in Bangkok", and let off a bit of a sigh.

Had no problems at all with my safety bar the usual "harassment" from certain ladies, and the usual touts around the place.

I am just off the phone with my Uni friend who is the GM of one of the larger hotels there. He says occupancy is 65% (he has no reason to lie to me), with only "a few cancellations". Historically at this time of year it's around 70% he mentioned.

Thus I'm surprised you say it's quiet there. I'll be there for one night next week so I guess I'll see. Safe travels.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

the UK govt has overnight downgraded there travel advice to Thailand as a whole, however they still advise against all but essential travel to Bangkok.

 

[JohnK]

I have just spent some time in HKT. Place was pretty quiet really. Tourists are scared away, although the German and Russian contingent still seems strong. While chatting to a staffer in a restaurant he said something similar to "So quiet. It's the red shirts in Bangkok", and let off a bit of a sigh.

It is fair to say Thai tourism is going to take another almighty hit due to the protests.

Had no problems at all with my safety bar the usual "harassment" from certain ladies, and the usual touts around the place.

And I am always harassed by the hawkers. "Mai ow khrup!"....

 

[v8Statesman]

I am just off the phone with my Uni friend who is the GM of one of the larger hotels there. He says occupancy is 65% (he has no reason to lie to me), with only "a few cancellations". Historically at this time of year it's around 70% he mentioned.

Thus I'm surprised you say it's quiet there. I'll be there for one night next week so I guess I'll see. Safe travels.

Where are you staying? I will be there for 4 nights next week at the ICH.

 

[Bang4Buck]

Where are you staying? I will be there for 4 nights next week at the ICH.

I own an apartment there. I will be there next Sat 15th May. I'd be happy to host another AFF and put a face to a name. PM me if the timing is right.

 

[v8Statesman]

I own an apartment there. I will be there next Sat 15th May. I'd be happy to host another AFF and put a face to a name. PM me if the timing is right.

Have sent a PM!

 

[Bang4Buck]

****e,

I'm not so good with the PM function (first time). I sent a PM; or tried anyway.

 

[v8Statesman]

****e,

I'm not so good with the PM function (first time). I sent a PM; or tried anyway.

I got your PM fine. Txt me when convenient.

 

[Bang4Buck]

It seems my total ineptitude with PM is not that bad. Check your PM.

 

[v8Statesman]

It seems my total ineptitude with PM is not that bad. Check your PM.

Already done and replied

 

[samh004]

This seemed like the relevant thread.

Explosions and gunfire heard on the streets of Bangkok. A senior leader (general) of the red shirts has been shot and seriously wounded, apparently in the head, but that’s unconfirmed.

 

[NM]

This seemed like the relevant thread.

Explosions and gunfire heard on the streets of Bangkok. A senior leader (general) of the red shirts has been shot and seriously wounded, apparently in the head, but that’s unconfirmed.

Some info from the media:

From news.com.au:

Thai 'Red Shirt' protestor killed and general wounded in fresh violence

THAI Red Shirt protesters clashed with troops in the heart of Bangkok last night, leaving one dead and several wounded - including a renegade general allied with the demonstrators.