I'm planning on going to Thailand in 3 weeks... anyone one advising not to go because of what is presently happening or is it nothing to worry about?
I'd like anyone who is presently in Thailand to let me know if I have anything to worry about. Any one experiencing any problems now that the coup has moved into Bangkok? I've been planning on going to Thailand for the past year and now that my time has finally come, this happens!! Should I go or should I stay away...?
Reply to this So far there have not been that many reactions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here, and the story is quickly dropping from the frontpage on the local newspapers. I was chatting with a local friend in BKK last night as the story was breaking, she was (naturally) concerned at that time as they did not have access to any public information, but two of my friends seemed much more relaxed today. Some offices and schools have been closed and I guess we will see where this leads hopefully in the coming days. However, so far I didn't see any reason for me to consider deleting my flights. I will be flying in to BKK shortly and I am more worried about the chaos in the coming transfer from Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Reply to this Hi Jessie007,
I will be in Bangkok for a week starting tomorrow morning (the 22nd), so feel free to check in with me anytime (assuming the internet is up and running I will check in here when possible.) Upside to the coup...you'll probably get more Baht for your Buck.
Reply to this Hi all.
In Bangkok at the moment and all is fine. We've seen a few soliders about, but nothing serious at all. I wouldn't let what you've heard on the news put you off, as it seems to be blown out of proportion.
James
Reply to this Hi Jessie, I 've only been here one day but already feel confident that it is entirely safe. I didn't see military presence anywhere until I made a point to go see the few tanks sitting idle roped off like museum pieces. People are just taking pictures and looking for soldiers to pose with. I would not alter any of your plans. The people all seem very satisfied with things, the king has given his approval which solidifies that things are in control. There's no change in daily life as far as I see and so I think I'll go enjoy a few Beer Changs tonight. Feel free to check in anytime if you have any questions.
Reply to this Hi Jessie-
I've only been in Thailand about a month. I was suprised with the coup, like most people, but feel safe. The only trouble I had was getting across to Burma for a visa run. The borders were closed. No big deal. I've also just heard that a new PM could be announced late next week. The Thai people are glad that Taskin is out of office- so this is a good thing for Thailand.
I would hate for anyone to cancel a trip here- it is such a nice place.
Reply to this I'll be in Bangkok by the end of the week, so naturally I was a little freaked out when I heard this on the news and had about a dozen people call, text, or email me to tell me they were worried.
But, our local NPR station was interviewing the former U.S. ambassador to Thailand and I got on the radio to ask him about it. He assured me that all was well and that this was more of a symbolic move than anything, bloodless, very populist, ousting a corrupt politician, yadda yadda yadda.
Then, I got on the phone with another friend who is coming to Thailand next month. She called her friend in Bangkok and heard that things were normal as can be and I guess nobody is really worried anymore.
Incidentally, I'll be in Bangkok by the end of the week, so if any of you who posted above will still be there, I would love to connect with you and get your tips. I'll be travelling alone, so it will be great help and a great relief to meet up with some brethren souls over there.
Peace-
Reply to this I would advise coming to Bangkok as planned- been here since about a month before the coup- and through it- and it seems to be business as usual- especially with the tourism industry as important as it is- On Khao San road it is probably safer than before the coup- as there is an increased police presence. Also- just a goofy article but-
Soldiers ordered to smile
I also have some pics up on a blog of the coup-
Coup d'eThailand
Cheers
Reply to this Martial Law in the City of Angels - another nice report.
To get all political - even though the move is popular with the Thai people (in Bangkok anyway) and it looks as though the former prime minister was abusing his position for personal financial gain, a military coup isn't a good thing. It goes against the principals of democracy, there should be other ways to remove corrupt politians. In this case it looks as though the military leaders will not install their own corrupt government, but they have that option.
Specifically in Thailands case, tourism is such a large part of the economy (80%!o(MISSING)f GDP - I think heard on one report) that every effort will be made to ensure that tourists are safe, tourism continues to be promoted - without tourism the Thai economy will fail. That will be even more unpopular than any corrupt prime minister.
Reply to this Well, actually, tourism accounted for 11.7% of Thailand's GDP in 2005--a substantial increase from 6% in 2002--and is expected to make up 12.6$ by the year 2014. While it is nowhere near 80%, it IS substantial.
The upward trend indicates that tourism has been both a priority for Thailand's government and business sectors and a pillar of the nation's growth, and that it will continue to be important in the coming years.
For more info, check out:
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
https://www.thailandoutlook.com
Reply to this I wouldn't worry about cancelling your trip until the US State Department and Embassies announce an unsafe for travelers announcement. Even if you are not from the US, you can access this information online and I am guessing that if they are issuing something like that, then other countries would be as well. Otherwise, I would not miss out on a trip to Thailand....one of the best places in the world to visit.
Reply to this All is great here, bu the way. I've been in country for a week and seen no problems. Have fun trips, everyone.
Reply to this I live here and it's fine. Nothing happened and nothing is going to happen. It's business as usual.
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