Travel to Bangkok

[TravelingJ]

Hi AFF members,

I was thinking about Bkk with the recent QF sale. However am aware of the massive political tensions. Has anyone been lately and can give me a run down as to whether it is worth the risk?

 

[power71]

Here now - no problems really just steer clear of demonstration sites. Just don't book for late March / early April when the second round of voting is due.

 

[yohy?!]

it really is very localised now with only a handful of troublemakers - likely to becontinuing violence though as the police and government have had enough.

if you come i would be looking either planning to avoid downtown bangkok (perhaps visit Hua Hin for the beach?) or buying connecting flights to somewhere else in thailand...chiang mai is quiet and very nice (here this weekend and its lovely)

 

[joyvee]

Returned after 5 days in BKK and 5 days past Hua Hin.
the intersection at MBK is filled with seemingly good natured happy people listening to music and entertainment or eating a variety of food. Some camping in tents. Went to Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant off Sukumwit rd by sky train to ASOK . that intersection also occupied by protestors. We walked down to road level and walked along without any worries or fear. Same atmosphere as above except this site included a night market as well.
small groups of soldiers stationed discreetly at various intersections but hardly noticeable. Occasional Army first aid tents for an civilians who may need support. Military seemed bored as had nothing to do.
Be aware that there is some tension between the army and police. The latter are believed to be provoking a reaction from the peaceful demonstrators and seem unable to catch people who ride past wearing black balaclavas and shoot some of the demonstrators. This has not happened for some time.
Everything seemed peaceful but be sensible and avoid any trouble spots should you come across them. the police dismantled one rally point early on Friday morning 14/02 but no apparent repercussions.
The most difficult thing I had to contend with was profiteering taxi drivers who said the "mob"meant that they could not put meter on and wanted 200 bht for a 70 bht metered trip. Just be firm and go to another taxi. It took me 4 goes until I found a driver to put his meter on. You can also threaten to give police cab details and that will cost the driver a lot more in so called " police fines" than they could rip you off for.
There are lots of interesting things to do in BKK and you can get around using sky train without any problems. All the major shops are open and having lots of sales at the moment. MBK is not as crowded as usual so shopping is more pleasurable . JoyV

 

[JohnK]

I am no longer concerned about the demonstrations.

I am going next week for 1 week stay. Looking forward to it.

 

[HarryB]

I am due to go back to BKK next month and today's news has me a little concerned. I will be keeping an eye on events and hope it remains calm.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-07/thailand-yingluck-court-verdict/5436798

 

[JohnK]

And the people will win power again in July and the minority "elite" will try to find new ways to get back into power.

Sad that the minority hold so much power. Corruption reigns supreme.

 

[straitman]

And the people will win power again in July and the minority "elite" will try to find new ways to get back into power.

Sad that the minority hold so much power. Corruption reigns supreme.

Unfortunately I need to ask if this is really so different to anywhere else :?:

 

[amaroo]

Not worth worrying about....they change the PM almost every other year.

List of Prime Ministers of Thailand - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[JohnK]

Unfortunately I need to ask if this is really so different to anywhere else :?:

Probably not although it does not get as violent unless you go to the third world countries.

 

[HarryB]

Not worth worrying about....they change the PM almost every other year.

List of Prime Ministers of Thailand - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yeah, I hear you. I think it's the circumstances that bother me more than the change itself. There was a risk of the whole government being binned but thankfully that didn't happen. Anyway, we'll see how it goes. I don't have an issue if the protests remain relatively calm.