Bangkok Situation Update ++++++++++++++++++ As the Sunday February 2, 2014 planned election draws near, the protesters have vowed that there will be peaceful demonstrations across the city to try to immobilize and discourage voters to make their ways to the polling stations. The State of Emergency has only been imposed on the capital city of Bangkok but NOT the other tourist destinations within Thailand such as Phuket, Samui, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. Despite such a declaration, it was observed that there has been no tangible impact on the ongoing protests and blockades, and no freedom of movement or night time curfew has been imposed. While the current mood of demonstrations may appear festive, visitors are advised to avoid any protest area or polling station at any time of day or night as sporadic incidents and outbreaks of violence may occur without warning. The blockade of the core downtown protest area from MBK to Siam Paragon to Central World to the Rajaprasong intersection to Central Chidlom still remains in place. Additional road blockages may occur at other locations as the core group of protesters moves around the city to the other protest sites during the day. Bangkok continues to function at a near normal level with most businesses and offices continuing to operate, and people are able to move around the city freely. The Shopping Malls in the affected areas of the city also remain open for business, however most advised that they have implemented earlier closing times. The public transport systems including the BTS Skytrain, the MRT Subway and the Airport Rail Link continue to operate as scheduled, as do the rail services and bus links from Bangkok to the provinces. Pick up times from the city center hotels for transfers to the airport remain at 4 hours prior to flight departure, in case of any road blockages or diversions.
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 22:54:40 +0000
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