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.