With the main tourist season about to start in Thailand I thought it about time I addressed the political situation, well the effect it has on tourist anyway, in Bangkok. The first thing to note is that the troubles you see on the news are only limited to Bangkok and other parts of Thailand remain unaffected.

These protests are against the government and have nothing to do with tourists,  and are unlikely to spill into the main tourist areas in Bangkok. But all this is not going to stop the media from painting a bleak picture of the current situation in Thailand.

If you want to travel to Thailand I would say do so but if you plan to go to Bangkok get the updated information. As for travelling in Thailand I have heard no reports of  a disturbed transport systems and that nothing in Phuket, Krabi or any of the other southern tourist destinations are affected.

The keep you informed of changes within Thailand the TAT or Tourism Authority of Thailand are publishing updates on their website of what is actually happening in Thailand, here is the latest from them.

TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND FACT SHEET AS OF OCTOBER 8, 2008

• The current political situation in Thailand — change of government and political demonstrations — should be seen as part of the Kingdom’s evolving political development under a democratic system of governance.

• The protests are directed at Members of Parliament and other political figures. These incidents are limited to the administrative centre of Bangkok. The rest of the city is unaffected.

• The PAD anti-government rally is restricted to the designated protest site and the immediate areas. Tourists and expats in Bangkok are advised to avoid travelling to areas near the demonstration site namely — Government House, the Parliament Building and its immediate vicinity.

• For visitors planning trips to various sites around Rattanakosin Island (Koh Rattanakosin), shuttle boats and river taxis that serve the various public piers along the Chao Phraya River provides fast and convenient transportation to several of these sites.

• All other key tourist sites in Bangkok, and nationwide, are completely unaffected.

• Life in the capital and the rest of the Kingdom continues as usual. Foreign nationals are unaffected.

• Hotel and other travel-related infrastructure and services, including all airports, operate as normal. Train services throughout the country have resumed full operations. Roadways are open, with only certain roads in Bangkok around the Government House compound remaining closed.

• Public utilities and communication services operate uninterrupted, contrary to reports of possible disruptions.

• The Kingdom’s various tourist attractions and shopping districts are unaffected, safe and open for business as usual. Tourists can continue to enjoy the amazing variety of sites, foods and experiences at even more amazing prices that make Thailand such a special travel destination.

• To ease any concern that foreign visitors may have in travelling to Thailand, the Thai authorities concerned have stepped up measures to ensure their safety and to facilitate their travel, both to and within the country.

• The latest updates will also be made available on the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.mfa.go.th and of the Tourism Authority of Thailand at www.tourismthailand.org and www.tatnews.org.

The choice whether or not to travel to Thailand is yours obviously but  I would say that you should not let the current political climate affect your decision. Get the facts before you book your holiday to Thailand. If your worried about the situation in Bangkok then avoid it and fly direct to Phuket, Krabi, Chaing Mai or Koh Samui.

The one thing you should avoid doing is not going to Thailand! The tourist industry has had a lot of bad lucky for the past years with Tsunami, SARS, Bird Flu and the Bali bombings all having an adverse effect on the country.

Book your holiday, go have fun, come back and let everyone else know that Thailand is still a great place to have a holiday in.