Last TAT statement about protests in Thailand

The ongoing anti-government protests in Bangkok, which had been normal to peaceful for 32 days, has today become volatile in several restricted locations near Government House and the Parliament where riot police fired tear gas canisters and water cannon to disperse protesters, as well as, at Ramkhamhaeng University. Volatile street intersections have included Chamai Maruchet and Orathai Bridges, Phol 1, Panichayakarn and Benchamabophit Temple, as well as, at the Metropolitan Police Bureau and on Ramkhamhaeng Road.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expresses our condolences to families, relatives and friends on the unexpected turn of event for student-protesters at Ramkhamhaeng University on Ramkhamhaeng Road, following clashes between the anti-government protesters (mostly students) and pro-government “red-shirt” supporters since yesterday evening. According to Erawan Emergency Center, at least four people were killed and 57 more are injured. Meanwhile, about 3,000 students who remain trapped inside the university since yesterday evening are being escorted to safety by troops from the 11^th Infantry Regiment of the Royal Guards. The evacuation is expected to be completed by the end of today.

No tourists are hurt or affected by the volatile situations both at Ramkhamhaeng University and near Government House and the Parliament.

During today, the following locations are where the anti-government protests take places or where the protesters gather:

• Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue

• Ministry of Finance on Rama VI Road

• Government Complex on Chaengwattana Road

• Nang Lerng Junction on Nakhonsawan-Phitsanulok Roads

• Makkawan Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue

   

  In addition, the anti-government protesters rallied to the following locations, some of which are where riot police fired tear gas canisters and water cannon at the protesters.

• Government House on Luk Luang-Phitsanulok Roads

• Royal Thai Police on Rama I Road

• Metropolitan Police Bureau on Si Ayutthaya Road

• Ministry of Education on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue

• Ministry of Labour on Mit Maitri Road (off Din Daeng Road)

• Ministry of Interior on Atsadang Road

• Ministry of Commerce on Nonthaburi Road

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Si Ayutthaya Road

• Government Public Relations Department on Rama VI Road

• TV Station Channel 3 on Rama IV Road

• TV Station Channel 5 on Phahon Yothin Road

• TV Station Channel 7 on Phahon Yothin Road

• TV Station Channel 9 on Rama IX Road

• TV Station Channel 11 on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road

• TV Station Channel Thai PBS on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road

   

  Outside of Bangkok, the anti-government protesters are also rallying at several provincial administration halls.

   

  For tourists visiting the kingdom, it should be stressed that foreigners and/or tourists have not been targeted in the ongoing political protests.

   

  However, tourists are advised to be vigilant and avoid areas where crowds may gather. Given the large number of people attending rallies at the five main locations as well as marching to other different locations, roads around or within the protest areas and rally routes maybe temporarily closed to traffic. Heavy road traffic at certain times can be expected in many roads in Bangkok.

   

  Tourists are advised to check travel route and road traffic situation to avoid getting caught in traffic or they can use other means of transportation to getting around in Bangkok, including BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link’s Express and City Lines, and water-transport.

   

  It’s business as usual in Thailand.

   

  Albeit the volatile political situations in Bangkok, life in the Thai capital and all other areas of Thailand continues as per normal. Tourist attractions and activities as well as businesses in Bangkok and other provinces are open and operating as usual.

   

  However, Siam Center, Siam Discovery Siam Paragon and CentralWorld Shopping Complexes on Rama I Road as well as Major Cineplex on Ramkhamhaeng road will be closed for one day on 1 December 2013.

   

  Tourist attractions are open and operating as per normal.

   

  In Bangkok:

  Historical attractions, theme parks, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, local markets, temples and river tours are open and operating as per normal, except for Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery and CentralWorld Shopping Complexes on Rama I Road as well as Major Cineplex on Ramkhamhaeng road which are temporarily closed today (1 December 2013).

   

  To avoid heavy road traffic at certain times, tourists can use BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, ferry, boats and hotel’s converted rice barges to many attractions, such as, the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of Dawn, ASIATIQUE The Riverfront, and Terminal 21 Shopping Complex.

   

  Outside of Bangkok:

  Tourist activities in Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ko Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phang-nga and Krabi, for instance, are operating as per normal.

   

  For live images of Thai tourist destinations, check out these THAI LIVE CAM streaming cameras that present a number of stunning preset views of Thailand’s most famous and popular cities.

   

  These provinces’ administration halls are located in official designated areas, and are not where tourists normally go to or where tour companies include in the tour programme.

   

  Transportation

   

  International and domestic airlines are operating flights between Bangkok and Thai cities, as well as destinations around the world, as per normal.

   

  Thailand’s main gateway, Suvarnabhumi Airport, in Bangkok and all other international and domestic airports throughout the country are operating as per normal. Transportation to and from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports into central Bangkok as well as into tourist destinations southeast and southwest of Bangkok; such as, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ko Samet and Ko Chang are operating as per normal.

   

  Suvarnabhumi Airport has advised air travellers of possible heavy road traffic and a lack of taxis resulting from the protests in Bangkok. Commuters are advised to use public transport such as BTS Skytrain, Airport Rail Link, public buses and vans, and limousine services. Air travellers are also advised to allocate more time before flight depart or at least three hours.

   

  The State Railway of Thailand and the Transport Co., Ltd., (inter-provincial bus service) are operating as per normal. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority is operating its city bus routes as per normal, although some routes are temporarily rerouted.

   

  There is no reason at all to avoid Bangkok, which remains a popular tourist destination. However, tourist can also spend their holidays in other Thai cities, which are located within 1 or 2 hour travelling time from Bangkok.