Bangkok, Thailand Situation Update

Situation Update: Thailand Political Developments 
Friday 07 March, 2014      

Issued at Bangkok at 16.30 hrs. (GMT+7) on 7 March 2014

The ongoing anti-government demonstrations in Bangkok remain peaceful and are taking place inside the Lumpini Park on Rama IV Road, the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road, Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Phitsanulok Road (near Government House). During today, the anti-government demonstrators are mobilising demonstration marches to some areas in Bangkok as part of their campaigns for political reform before an election.

Bangkok remains under the state of emergency. The 60-day emergency decree, effective on 22 January 2014, currently covers Bangkok and some parts of nearby provinces (Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan) only and not any other destinations in Thailand. There is currently no curfew in place in Bangkok or any other parts of Thailand. Local residents and international visitors can continue to travel within Bangkok and other destinations in the country as usual.

It is business as usual in Thailand

While the demonstrations are taking place in a few small areas in Bangkok, life in the most parts of the Thai capital and throughout Thailand continues as usual. However, tourists are advised to be vigilant and avoid the demonstration areas, as well as areas where crowds may gather. This is because there may be traffic disruptions or delays and thus causing inconvenience.

Bangkok is a large city and so it is possible for local residents and international visitors to avoid the demonstration sites and rally routes. Traffic in the most parts of Bangkok is moving normally as almost all roads and expressways are not affected by the demonstrations.

All major tourist attractions in the Thai capital, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn, are open normally. Tourists can visit all attractions using the usual means of transport, including buses, vans and car transfers by tour companies, taxis, the Skytrain, the subway or the boat and ferry service.

Businesses, including banks, petrol and gas stations, hotels, spas, restaurants, entertainment venues, cinemas, convention centres, shopping malls, superstores, convenient stores, pharmacies, hospitals and the like are open and operating as per normal. Telephone both landline and mobile and Internet services are available 24/7 as per normal.

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