Thailand Travel Situation Update – Official Statement from Thai Government

As many of you will know, shortly after the yellow shorts ended their protests the red shirts started planning theirs. So once again Thailand was in the news for not such pretty reasons, but again the troubles were mainly concentrated in and around Bangkok. It has now all subsided and the following is an official Statement from the Thai Government aimed at tourists arriving to Thailand or already there.

Current Situation Update

The messages Thai Government would like to convey to all the tourists who are planning a visit to Thailand.

• The situation in Bangkok has returned to normal. Residents and visitors to Thailand are enjoying the Songkran Thai New Year celebrations throughout the Thai kingdom, including in Bangkok. (The Thai Government extended the Songkran festive holiday this year)
• On 14 April, the leaders of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) called off their anti-government protests. By mid-afternoon, all of the protesters had dispersed.
• Shopping malls in Bangkok re-opened as of 13.00 hrs on 14 April and have continued to operate on a normal schedule since.
• Hotels throughout the country are operating as normal.
• The BTS SkyTrain, subway services, public utilities and communication services continue to operate uninterrupted.
• The Emergency Decree is only a temporary measure. Representatives from Thailand’s travel and tourism-related trade associations are scheduled to meet with the Thai government on 17 April to discuss the lifting of the Emergency Decree at the earliest possible time. (src)

Lets hope this wonderful country sorts out these political battles without destroying the great holiday destination. From what I’ve heard from friends still in Krabi and Phuket you would hardly notice the country was in turmoil.

Once again it has been shown that holidays to Thailand are the best in Asia, not only for backpackers but for family holidays and couples also. So now regardless if you are traveling on a budget or tourists who want to have a luxury experience a holiday in Thailand will be the best on offer from all the Asian countries.

TripAdvisor recently conducted an online survey of its 9 million members and the Travelers’ Choice Awards 2009 were announced, Thailand topped many of the available categories.

Layana Resort & Spa, Ko Lanta proved to be the best luxury in Asia while Peninsula Bangkok, Bangkok and Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui were successful to be on 3rd and 5th position in the same category. Layana Resort & Spa did not only top the Asia list but also got 2nd place in the “Top 100 Best Luxury in the world”.

One of the most important categories, for me and my family anyway, was the “Top 10 Best for families in Asia”. Thailand took 2 spots  with the Merlin Beach Resort, Patong taking 3rd place and Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Karon grabbing 5th. I must confess I’ve never been to either of these hotels with my family but from others I have spoken to my vote would be for Le Meridien, The Merlin Beach Resort may be a better hotel, I’ve just never heard anyone talk about it.

Another category I was  interested in was the “Top 10 Best Hidden Gems in Asia”. Surprisingly Thailand took the top 3 spots. The Oriental Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi, took the number one spot with  Rimping Village Hotel, Chiang Mai grabbing 2nd and LaLaanta Hideaway Resort, Ko Lanta 3rd.

There were other categories in which hotels in Thailand took either 1st or 2nd place, categories such as “Top 10 Best Bargains” and “Top 10 Best for Romance” I’ve listed each category below in which a hotel in Thailand was in the top 10.

Best Bargain Hotels in Asia

1. Oriental Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

6. The Waterfront Bophut, Koh Samui, Thailand

7. Rimping Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Best Hotels for families in Asia

3. Merlin Beach Resort, Patong, Thailand

5. Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Karon, Thailand

6. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Mai Khao, Thailand

7. Laguna Beach Resort, Thalang, Thailand

9. Rimping Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Best Hidden Gems in Asia

1. Oriental Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

2. Rimping Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand

3. LaLaanta Hideaway Resort, Ko Lanta, Thailand

8. Rabbit Resort,Pattaya, Thailand

9. The Waterfront Bophut, Koh Samui, Thailand

Best Hotel for Romance in Asia

2. SALA Samui Resort and Spa, Koh Samui, Thailand

3. Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui, Thailand

5. The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort, Krabi, Thailand

6. Layana Resort and Spa, Ko Lanta, Thailand

Best Luxury Hotel in Asia

1. Layana Resort and Spa, Ko Lanta, Thailand

3. Peninsula Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

5. Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui, Thailand

I hope these give you some suggestion for your next holiday to Thailand, I know for a fact I’ll be visiting the Oriental Kwai Resort in Kanchanaburi. This is a great part of Thailand that is not visited enough by tourists, but with wonderful rain forests, white water rapids and so much more to do it reminds me a lot of Chiang Mai but without the added hype.

Do you have a favorite hotel or location or maybe a gem of a beach that others on holiday to Thailand may like to visit? Then just leave a comment with a link to the webpage that shows us the best parts of Thailand, according to you.