TAT update on Bangkok security
Tourism Authority of Thailand’s News Desk issued an updated fact sheet, this morning, on political rallies that start Friday 12 March and are expected to continue throughout the weekend.
For official text see: http://www.tatnews.org/newsletter/e-News/sent/Fact_Sheet/Fact_Sheet-10-03-2010.html“
Based on the TAT assessment, it would appear that tourists visiting Thailand, 12 to 14 March, should travel up-country and enjoy the beaches of Pattaya, Samui, Phuket, golf courses and the peace and quiet of northern towns. Once the dust settles in Bangkok early next week they could resume their itinerary.
Based on the information below, visits to city’s shopping districts and tourist attractions will not be convenient and tourists will face long delays in tour buses and taxis to reach their destinations. Travel by the BTS will be as convenient as ever and river transport is not likely to be disrupted.
The bottom line evaluation is that if you are visiting Thailand why have the hassle of a city held hostage by political rallies. Enjoy the country and leave the dysfunctional capital to its fate for now.
As a 40-year resident in this country, I intend hop on my cycle and take leisurely rides to Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-in throughout the weekend. There are excellent hotels in Ayutthaya where life will go on at an even pace.
Visitors have a choice. They don’t live permanently in Bangkok. They can spend the weekend in the pubs of Sukhumvit Road wishing they had delayed their visit to the capital, or they can hire a car, book a tour and get on the road to Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, Pattaya, Rayong or up the river to Ayutthaya. I know what my choice would be. Bangkok is over rated. The real Thailand is at 70 km out in any direction.
Official assessment
TAT’s official situation report states, “Anti-government rallies are being planned by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) from 12 to 14 March.
“Given the large number of people expected to join rallies, the Thai Cabinet, 9 March, approved the use of the Internal Security Act B.E. 2551 (2008) in the areas of Bangkok and certain districts of seven nearby provinces from 11 to 23 March 2010.
They are:
• Bangkok
• Nonthaburi Province
• Pathumthani Province
• Samut Sakhon Province
• Samut Prakan Province
• Nakhon Pathom Province
• Chachoengsao Province
• Ayutthaya Province
“The decision to invoke the ISA is necessary as a precautionary step to ensure law and order. The ISA will enable security agencies — police, military and civilian — to integrate their effort and take measures provided for under the Act and applicable laws to prevent undue disruption or impact on the safety of the general public.
“Some preventive measures have already been put in place, including setting up of checkpoints and patrols in the inner districts of Bangkok. In this connection, additional checkpoints will be set up in Bangkok and other nearby provinces. There would be temporary closure of a few thoroughfares around important government buildings.
“Rapid deployment units have also been set up to ensure timely responses in case any incident occurs. Clear instructions have been given to all security agencies that officers exercise the utmost restraint, and should the situation escalate, that they take a graduated response — from light to heavy measures — in accordance with internationally accepted practices, with due respect to human rights principles.
“For tourists, it should be stressed that foreigners have not been targeted in the on-going political conflict.
“However, they are advised to be vigilant, particularly in the areas where crowds may gather. The government will continue to step up measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all foreigners in Thailand.
“On 9 March 2010, Thai Foreign Minister, Kasit Piromya, also affirmed to the diplomatic corps that the Royal Thai Government would do its utmost to provide security for the public, including the diplomatic community, and would do so in accordance with the rule of law and with utmost restraint.
“The law does not prohibit nor obstruct peaceful demonstrations held within the bounds of the law. The government respects people’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly, while the security measures to be put in place would help ensure security and peaceful and orderly assembly of the demonstrators.
“The public have also been requested to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities, including to the Bangkok Metropolitan Call Centre by calling 1555.”
For tourist assistance or information, please contact the TAT Call Centre by dialling 1672.
Areas to be avoided (source Tourist Police sub-Division 1)
Tourists are advised to avoid the following roads and landmark areas:
• Ratchadamnoen Avenue (consisting of Ratchadamnoen Nai, Ratchadamnoen Klang and Ratchadamnoen Nok)
• Vibhavadi Rangsit Road
• Rama 9 Road
• Samsen Road
• Victory Monument
• Rama IV Road
• Silom Road
• Rajdamri Road
According to other police reports, anti-government rallies are expected in the following protest sites. Roads may be blockaded. Visitors and tourists are also advised to avoid the following areas. (Editor’s note: two areas – Bang Na intersection and Thung Song Hong Police Station – have been removed from the list this morning 11 March).
Possible protest sites:
• Klong 4 in Thanyaburi district in Pathum Thani
• Klong 4 Rangsit in Pathum Thani
• Laksi Democracy Monument in Bang Khen
• Nonthaburi City Hall
• Tha Phra Chan Pier
• Thailand-Japanese Sports Complex in Din Daeng
• Lumphini Park
• Wongwien Yai, Thonburi
• Samut Prakan City Hall
Recommended routes
In the area around Sanam Luang, The Grand Palace and Khao San Road
Maharaj Road, Bumrungmuang Road, Phra Arthit Road, Lan Luang Road and
Rama 6 Road
Alternative Routes around Silom Road
Sathorn Road, Surawong Road and Narathiwat Rajanagarindra Road
For further information please contact the TAT call centre at 1672.
For the latest updates, please visit www.TATnews.org.
