CR - Asia World Travel Team Dear Travel Partners, Yesterday the Thai government has declared a state of emergency for the capital, Bangkok, with a possible curfew and no-go areas affecting tourists in the city. The decree, will come into effect on Wednesday and last 60 days. Under a state of emergency in Thailand, authorities can impose curfews, declare parts of the capital off-limits, censor the media and detain suspects without court permission. The decree followed government predictions that situation might become more violent before new elections are held on February 2nd. An advisory from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, which we go along with, reads, Tourists are advised to be vigilant and avoid the rally locations as well as areas where large crowds of demonstrators may gather, including routings of the anti-government demonstrators daily marches. Despite this latest news, life continues as normal for Bangkok residents with traffic congestion still being the main inconvenience. If this situation changes in light of the emergency decree then well be sure to update you accordingly. So far, demonstrations still continue to remain within the confines of their protest zones as they have done all this past week, so getting around the city and avoiding protest sites is still possible using mass transit (BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway and Airport Rail Link). To remind you where these protest zones are located (also refer to the map below). 1) Pathumwan intersection 2) Rajaprasong intersection 3) Saladaeng intersection (Lumpini Park) 4) Lat Phrao five-way intersection 6) Asoke intersection 7) Victory Monument roundabout 8) Government Complex. Major roads connecting to these intersections are affected are as follows... 1) Sukhumvit 2) Rama I 3) Rama IV 4) Silom, Ratchadamri 5) Ratchaprarop 6) Phaya Thai 7) Phahol Yothin 8) Asoke Montri 9) Ratchadapisek 10) Ratchavithi 11) Din Daeng 12) Pracha Songkhro 12) Vibhavadi 13) Lat Phrao 14) Chaeng Watthana. At Asia World our services continue as normal and any alterations to our services at this moment in time remain unchanged... OUTBOUND CLIENTS OUTSIDE PROTEST ZONE: we continue to advise clients of a 4 hour check-in time for international flights due to the high possiblity of traffic congestion. However, should there be any changes in the protest situation we will coordinate with all our drivers to ensure there is adequate planning in advance in moving your clients to and from the aiport. OUTBOUND CLIENTS INSIDE PROTEST ZONE: for those clients whose transfer times may be significantly longer, due to being closer to the protest zones, we will use the citys mass transit system, namely the BTS Sky Train and Airport Rail Link, which will be running as normal, to ensure timely arrival at the airport for outbound flights. These transport networks are safe, clean and modern and are not expected to be impacted in any way while the protests are taking place, with local authorities extending public transport services until 2am if demand is high. INBOUND CLIENTS OUTSIDE PROTEST ZONE: pick ups will be arranged as normal, however, travel time to the destined hotel may take considerably longer than usual. INBOUND CLIENTS INSIDE PROTEST ZONE: we will be using BTS Sky Train and Airport Rail Link networks as outlined above. CENTRAL BANGKOK HOTELS: Are operating as per usual but please note it might not be convenient for guests to look for taxis to travel around, however, as mentioned above the BTS Sky Train will be working as usual and would be the best option in getting around Bangkok. We ask our clients to check with our Asia World Customer Service Manager ‘Ms.Kwan (081 554 6570)’ or their hotel concierge staff before they plan to travel to another area in order to get updated advice. For a full list of hotels affected by the protests please click here to refer to our previous email. CONFIRMED BANGKOK CITY TOURS: we also still feel it necessary to urge clients to consider their comfort and well-being before insisting on going on these tours as planned in order to avoid protest zones. We will, of course, fulfil all obligations to do so, however, we strongly advise against it and will offer full refunds or offer an alternative tour outside protest zones. UNCONFIRMED BANGKOK CITY TOURS: All unconfirmed tours will be cancelled for the duration of the protests. Best regards, Asia World Team
Posted on: Wed, 22 Jan 2014 03:31:22 +0000
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