Yesterday, i.e., 19th May the security forces cracked down on the protesters and were able to take control of the entire protest zone within a few hours of operation. However, the reaction from the red shirts protestors resulted in sporadic violence and rioting which was brought under control well by the security forces. There have been damage to some of the important business establishments in the Rajaprasong area.
In order to clear the area and make it completely safe the authorities imposed a curfew (9 PM – 5 AM) for Bangkok and several northern provinces. The night went by peaceful without any incident of violence being reported during the curfew.
As a precautionary measure the curfew is continued for the same timings in Bangkok for today as well.
For foreign tourists however a curfew relaxation is extended to those carrying passports and travel documents.
Bangkok is slowly and surely returning to normal again. Authorities are cleaning up the affected areas, but Rajaprasong area is not safe yet due to the damage by fire and action during the crackdown.
Most of the residents of Bangkok went back to work this morning. Our offices are open and back to normal working. We are very hopeful that life will resume normal course very soon and business will return to normal.
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Bangkok Situation Update 18 May 2010 (3:20 PM)
We would like to further update you regarding the situation in Thailand. There is an increased state of tension in the immediate vicinity of Rajaprasong and Rajadamri Roads and some roads close to the protest sites have been closed. BTS services have been suspended for today.
As has been the case all through these protests, away from the site there is no unrest and everything is relatively normal. The Airport is still open and there is no threat of disruption to services around the airport or elsewhere in the city.
The security of your clients visiting Thailand remains paramount for us and we are continuing to ensure that any clients arriving in Thailand are well taken care of. We recommend any clients traveling to Bangkok stay at Riverside Hotels and/or Banglampoo area which are well away from the protest areas and tourists are advised to stay in the riverside area and not to visit the central shopping district near Rajaprasong. In order to avoid any security risk we are also pleased to reroute clients scheduled to stay in Bangkok to other parts of Thailand.
In case clients are still not willing to travel to Thailand we are doing our best to avoid cancellation fees on case by case basis. We will also be pleased to postpone any travel plans in Thailand to a later date without penalty or offer alternatives in any of our other destinations.
Elsewhere in Thailand the atmosphere is calm and clients in Phuket, Samui, Chiang Mai and other key tourist destinations are not experiencing any difficulties.
All Khiri Travel offices are open as normal
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Bangkok Situation Update 18 May 2010 (9:41 AM)
The Rajaprasong area (and nearby streets, including Rama 4, Lumpini Park) is since last Friday closed off completely by the military in order to wear down the protesters until they agree to disperse. The government is determent to restore order as soon as possible.
At present the situation in and around the protest area remains relatively quiet compared to the days before. The military is slowly but steadily moving forward, while the authorities are urging the protesters to abandon their demonstrations and go home. For now plans for a curfew have been canceled. The Monday 3 PM deadline to clear the protest area has been extended.
The closure affects public transport, including both skytrain and subway services around that area. The subway is not stopping at Silom or Lumpini stations, and the skytrain service has been suspended at stations within the protest area with trains shuttling back and forth only in the outer areas.
However keep in mind the following:
None of our clients are staying in hotels near the Rajaprasong area.
Life in most areas of Bangkok continue as usual.
Tourists continue their sightseeing, relaxing, shopping, etc. like before, at most taxies/buses/tuktuks have to take detours to avoid the main protest area. Boat/ferry services are not affected.
Suvarnabhumi Airport and all other international and domestic airports around Thailand are open and operating as normal.
All attractions in Bangkok (except Suan Lum Night Bazaar & Jim Thompson's House) and throughout Thailand are open to visit as usual.
All rail routes are operating normally.
Note: Khiri Travel's offices in Bangkok is on full alert and look after the well-being of our/your clients
More event details: http://www.khiri-dmc.com