We're booked to be in Bangkok 25 -28 Feb, and I read that there may be some unrest then - rallies in support of Thaksin. Would we be in danger? Should we not visit tourist sights then? Would be grateful for insights into the situation... thanks!
1
khunwilko
n the 26th the courts are likely to announce that they will seize all of Taksin's assets.
Rumours are flying about all over as to the significance of this.
It has been said that Mr T has smuggled case-loads of cash into the country to finance any demos etc.
A high-ranking military officer recently declared there was "no need" for a coup.
It would seem that around this time is the most likely to spark off any trouble. Mr T may see this as a further chance to de-stabilise the already shaky coalition govt.
What actually happens is anyone's guess. - Bang or whimper it is hard to predict.
It IS a significant point in Thai politics and a test of the current government - just how significant remains to be seen.
2
addyclark
A bit worrying to be a tourist there, then? Thanks for your explanation of the situation...
3
khunwilko
In the past, any problems concerning violence are contained within a very small area - so the norm would be that you'd be blissfully unaware of any trouble going on.
There has been a lot of sabre-rattling by both sides, but again that is not so unusual - I think a prediction would be foolhardy though. I think a lot will depend on how many people see this a a "last chance" scenario.
From a personal point of view, I live in the bkk hinterland and would not go into town that day because of traffic disruption possible unrest etc.
4
p_mc_livin
From a personal point of view, I live in the bkk hinterland and would not go into town that day because of traffic disruption possible unrest etc.
Run for the hills!
5
vinlyn09
Well, certainly not the best time to head to Thailand. But I live here in Bangkok, and at least at this point I'm not particularly worried. As a tourist, if you can rearrange your schedule, then do so. But if not, you will probably be fine.
6
addyclark
Thanks for the comments, very helpful! If we stayed and relaxed in our hotel that'd be nice too, night markets should be safe....
7
chanchao
Well, certainly not the best time to head to Thailand.
I wouldn't say that. Not the best time to head to particular areas in Bangkok, and even there the main concern is serious traffic congestion. Thailand as a whole though, I really wouldn't worry too much.
Good comments by KhunWilko above.
If you do rearrange your schedule then I would rearrange it to do sightseeing in Bangkok at a different time.
8
geomark
You could be greatly inconvenienced. Even if there is no violence or it is well contained there could be disruption to transportation. The army already has 50 checkpoints set up around Bangkok in preparation and if it gets ugly they will probably close many roads.
9
washingmachinelotus
People have been warned to stay away from government buildings around the 26th. Personally, I will avoid going downtown altogether. My advice,for what it's worth, would be be to book into some place in the burbs or near the airport, from.where there are buses which travel all over the country and transport away from the capital shouldn't be affected.. At the moment the government is concerned about large sums of money heading for the redshirts via casinos in Cambodia so that, if you experience any problems with wire transfers etc,. this could be the reason.
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