Bangkok shutdown planned for January 13
We now know the details of Bangkok shutdown announced to start on January 13 by Suthep Thaugsuban the leader of the protesters in Thailand.
First some roads in the Thai capital will be blocked. The protesters will gather at intersections across the city and but would leave one lane open for public buses and ambulances. PDRC (People’s Democratic Reform Committee ) will not allow government vehicles to pass but demonstrators did not intend to interfere with Bangkok subway and skytrain services (BTS, MRT, Airport Link) or trains and buses.
Here is the list of the 20 intersections that protesters intend to block:
- Uruphong
- Charoenpol
- Hua Lamphong
- Bang Rak
- Silom
- Sam Yan
- Phaya Thai
- Ratchathewi
- The Victory Monument
- Siam Square
- Lat Phrao five-way intersection
- Din Daeng
- Pratunam
- Ratchaprasong
- Lumpini
- Klong Toey
- Asok
- Ratchadamnoen
- Petchaburi
- Yaowarat
They will also target members of the government . “No government officials will be able to work from that day on” said Suthep. And cut lectricity and tape at all government venues and homes of caretaker ministers including Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Suthep stated again that the goal is not to weaken Thailand but to show the international community that the public does not support Yingluck Shinawatra’s government and that sthat it does not have the moral right to continue to administer the country. Adding that the Bangkok “siege” will last until the victory of the protesters over the government.
The shutdown should not prevent tourists to arrive and depart from airports but the already complicated traffic in Bangkok is likely to become nightmarish. It is strongly advised to use public transportation and especially the Airport Link to get to Suvarnabhumi Airport. And add at least one hour at the time you normally need to go there.
Anb will Bangkok be safe ? They will probably be some violences. The Red Shirts announced without giving details they would oppose the anti -government protesters . One of their leaders saying that Bangkok shutdown announced by Suthep Thaugsuban might lead to civil war.So I advise you to avoid being in Bangkok on January 13 and see what happens in the following days.
