Situation Update: Thailand Political Developments

Issued at Bangkok at 14.00 hrs. (GMT+7) on 16 January 2014

Following our two updates yesterday, the situation as of this morning remains largely unchanged with the anti-government demonstrations continue to take place at six downtown intersections - Pathumwan, Rajaprasong, Saladaeng, Lat Phrao, Asoke and the Victory Monument roundabout - and the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road in Bangkok. Although the atmosphere around the rally sites was peaceful, security has been stepped up to prevent ill-intentioned people from inciting violence.

Traffic is moving as per normal since roads and expressways in the most parts of Bangkok are not affected by the demonstrations. However, roads and some lanes at the rally sites remain closed to traffic while today’s marches by the anti-government demonstrators to different parts of Bangkok may also cause traffic disruptions at certain times.

Life in Bangkok and throughout Thailand continues as per normal. All major tourist attractions, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn, are open as per normal. Tourists can visit all attractions using the usual means of transport, including the bus, van and car transfer by tour companies, taxi, the skytrain, the subway or the boat and ferry service.  

It should be stressed that tourists have not been targeted in the ongoing political demonstrations. However, while travelling within Bangkok, tourists are advised to check travel route and traffic situation as well as avoid areas where large crowds of demonstrators may gather. This is because there may be traffic disruptions or delays and thus causing inconvenience.

Businesses and tourist attractions and activities are open as usual. However, shopping venues in the rally areas may change their opening hours while some businesses may be closed. Telephone - landline and mobile - and Internet services continue to be available as per normal.

All airports in Bangkok and throughout the country are open and operating as per normal. Air passengers with flights depart out of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports are advised to allocate at least four hours prior to their scheduled flight departure time. Air passengers are also advised to check flight status prior to travelling.

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For information on tourist attractions and activities, visit: www.tourismthailand.org.

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Useful contact numbers:

TAT Call Centre 1672

Tourist Police Call Centre 1155

Traffic Police Call Centre 1197

BMTA (city bus and van service) Call Centre 1348

BTS Hotline +66 (0) 2617 6000

MRT Customer Relations Center +66 (0) 2624 5200

SRT (train service) Call Centre 1690

Transport Co., Ltd., (inter-provincial bus service) Call Centre 1490

AOT (Suvarnabhumi Airport) Call Centre 1722

Suvarnabhumi Airport Operation Centre (temporary) +66 (0) 2132-9950 or 2

Thai Airways International Call Centre +66 (0) 2356 1111

Bangkok Airways Call Centre 1771

Nok Air Call Centre 1318

Thai AirAsia Call Centre +66 (0) 2515 9999