{"id":6056,"date":"2014-01-15T16:09:19","date_gmt":"2014-01-15T21:09:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/first2board.com\/verygoodpoints\/?p=6056"},"modified":"2014-01-15T16:09:19","modified_gmt":"2014-01-15T21:09:19","slug":"going-bangkok-right-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/first2board.com\/verygoodpoints\/2014\/01\/15\/going-bangkok-right-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Be Going To Bangkok Right Now?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the past few weeks tensions have been rising in the Thai political scene and over the weekend, and this week, have continued to escalate. \u00a0Several people have asked me if I would go to Bangkok right now. \u00a0 I have, in fact, been looking at a late January business trip to Bangkok which I will likely delay.<\/p>\n

I am not a safety and security expert, nor do I have official information about the situation (other than what everyone can read on the State Department & US Embassy Thailand website.) \u00a0I have been able to call a few friends in Bangkok, one who is a civilian working in the embassy, to ask about the situation.<\/p>\n

The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has urged U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings in the city and to ensure they have a stock of cash and essential items in case the situation deteriorates.<\/p>\n

What’s happening?<\/h2>\n

In short – Anti-government protesters have launched a campaign to shut-down the Thai government and\u00a0claim that Thailand has been held hostage by the corrupt financial interests of former (and exiled) Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra,\u00a0his corrupt comrades and his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra,\u00a0who is the current Prime Minister.<\/p>\n

Conservative groups in Thai society, including the middle class and those in southern communities have normally backed the ruling party (backed by the Royal Family.) \u00a0The opposition party, consists mainly of voters from rural regions and the North and Northeast and tend to support the Prime Minister.<\/p>\n

Earlier this week, the leader of the protests,\u00a0Suthep Thaugsuban, threatened to detain the current Prime Minister. \u00a0It has now been reported that she has left her home in the\u00a0Bangkok suburbs and is moving through a series of secret locations. \u00a0The protesters have threatened to escalate the protests if the Prime Minister doesn’t resign by the end of this week.<\/p>\n

The protesters have blocked off key intersections in the capitol city and more than 170,000 protestors have filled the streets and parks. \u00a0In 2006, former\u00a0Prime Minister Thaksin\u00a0Shinawatra was ousted in a military coup and in 2008, a similar antigovernment protest movement blockaded Bangkok’s two international airports for more than a week.<\/p>\n

Safety<\/h2>\n

Tuesday night, two people were shot and wounded, an explosive device was thrown at an opposition leader’s house, buses were set on fire and several police officers were attacked. On Saturday, seven people were wounded after gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on anti-government protesters in Bangkok’s central district. \u00a0The same day clashes between pro and anti-government protesters left 6 people wounded. \u00a0Eight people, including two police officers, have been killed and dozens have been injured in violence between protesters, police and government supporters in recent weeks.<\/p>\n

As a tourist or business person working in Bangkok, you have to take your safety very seriously. You never know when a mob will turn violent or one individual will shoot into a crowd. \u00a0In addition to the embassy’s warming to stay away from crowds, my friends in Bangkok have also suggested staying out of the areas where protests are occurring.<\/p>\n

Impact on Tourism<\/h2>\n

The protests are having a major impact on tourism. \u00a0The most serious impact comes from the inability to get around the city easily. \u00a0It is impossible to get to several areas by car due to the protesters who have shut down major intersections. \u00a0There have been reports of taxi cab drivers charging astronomical amounts just because they can. \u00a0Public transpiration is the primary way locals are getting around right now, and my friends report that the BTS and MRT are jam packed.<\/p>\n

The areas where protests are being held include:\u00a0Victory Monument, Lad Prao Intersection, Phatumwan Intersection (MBK indoor market\/Siam Paragon Mall), Ratchprasong Intersection (Central World, Grand Hyatt Erwan, St Regis Hotel), Asoke Intersection (Terminal 21 mall, Westin Bangkok, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit), Sala Daeng Intersection (Silom\/Patpong and financial district) and Wireless Road (embassy row, Conrad Bangkok) . \u00a0Unfortunately, many of these areas are central to tourist destinations.<\/p>\n

What Should I Do?<\/h2>\n

One of my fellow bloggers, Susan of Southern Travel Girl, asked me what she should do. \u00a0Last night I was somewhat conflicted. \u00a0After reading more today and talking with friends my suggestion is to avoid Bangkok right now (as much as I hate saying that). \u00a0I am delaying my trip. \u00a0If you already have plans to be there in the immediate timeframe, here are some things to consider:<\/p>\n