Killing of a protest leader acts as a reminder about the violence of Bangkok demonstrations

BANGKOK - The State of Emergency did little so far to keep the situation under control despite the fact that public gathering of more than five people are officially banned. But with advance vote taking place at a few polling stations on Sunday in some Bangkok and Southern Thailand districts, the situation remained tensed.

Violent verbal exchanges occurred at many polling stations forcing the closure of some of them. Worst was the shouting of a protest leader in the Bang Na district (Southeast Bangkok on the way to Suvarnabhumi Airport) who died from its injuries. Since protests erupted last October, over 500 people were already wounded while a dozen people died. This is to remind potential travellers about the fact that if tourists are never the target of the current political violence, they take a risk by participating to demonstrations or to visit the sites of ongoing protests.

The situation at the ongoing anti-government demonstration sites in Bangkok remains normal and continues to take place at six downtown intersections – Pathumwan, Ratchaprasong, Silom (Lumpini Park), Latphrao, Asoke and the Victory Monument roundabout. Other major rally sites are at the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road, Phan Fa Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Chamai Maruchet Bridge on Phitsanulok Road, the two last areas being in the Dusit District, the historical heart of Bangkok. Anti-government demonstrators are also holding their daily marches to different parts of the city during the day.

State of Emergency was declared on January 22 for a period of 60 days. It has no real effect on the daily life of both inhabitants and tourists with no curfew imposed so far. It extends to Bangkok and some parts of nearby provinces (Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan). The State of Emergency has been imposed to maintain peace and order, as well as to provide safety and security.
Following a conversation with international media and professionals during the ASEAN Travel Forum in Kuching, the Tourism Authority of Thailand amended its situation update removing any term describing the current demonstrations as “festive”.

Most of the TAT team present at the travel show admitted that the term was not appropriate. Although demonstrations have been mostly peaceful and in a rather cherish mood, the fact that some people died or were injured remind that this is anything except “party time”…

Travellers not totally aware of the situation in Bangkok should rather favour another destination over the Thai capital for the time being. They are possibilities once arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport to go direct by highway to Pattaya, Hua Hin and Southern Thailand. From Don Mueang Airport, the old fascinating royal capital of Ayutthaya and all Northern Thailand are ready to welcome visitors…

TAT provides assistance services to tourists with Tourist Friend Centre (TFC) at airports and at BTS Skytrain stations (Siam, Phaya Thai, Ekkamai and Saladaeng). Information are posted everyday on TAT website under http://www.tatnews.org/situation-update-thailand-political-developments-63/

Sourced: TravelDailyNews