Situation Update: Thailand Political Developments
Issued at Bangkok at 17.00 hrs. (GMT+7) on 1 December 2013
The ongoing anti-government protests in Bangkok, which had been normal to peaceful for 32
days, has today become volatile in several restricted locations near Government House and
the Parliament where riot police fired tear gas canisters and water cannon to disperse
protesters, as well as, at Ramkhamhaeng University. Volatile street intersections have
included Chamai Maruchet and Orathai Bridges, Phol 1, Panichayakarn and
Benchamabophit Temple, as well as, at the Metropolitan Police Bureau and on
Ramkhamhaeng Road.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expresses our condolences to families, relatives
and friends on the unexpected turn of event for student-protesters at Ramkhamhaeng
University on Ramkhamhaeng Road, following clashes between the anti-government
protesters (mostly students) and pro-government “red-shirt” supporters since yesterday
evening. According to Erawan Emergency Center, at least four people were killed and 57
more are injured. Meanwhile, about 3,000 students who remain trapped inside the university
since yesterday evening are being escorted to safety by troops from the 11th Infantry
Regiment of the Royal Guards. The evacuation is expected to be completed by the end of
today.
No tourists are hurt or affected by the volatile situations both at Ramkhamhaeng University
and near Government House and the Parliament.
During today, the following locations are where the anti-government protests take places or
where the protesters gather:
 Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue
 Ministry of Finance on Rama VI Road
 Government Complex on Chaengwattana Road
 Nang Lerng Junction on Nakhonsawan-Phitsanulok Roads
 Makkawan Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue
In addition, the anti-government protesters rallied to the following locations, some of which
are where riot police fired tear gas canisters and water cannon at the protesters.
 Government House on Luk Luang-Phitsanulok Roads
 Royal Thai Police on Rama I Road
 Metropolitan Police Bureau on Si Ayutthaya Road
 Ministry of Education on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue
 Ministry of Labour on Mit Maitri Road (off Din Daeng Road)
 Ministry of Interior on Atsadang Road
 Ministry of Commerce on Nonthaburi Road
 Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Si Ayutthaya Road
 Government Public Relations Department on Rama VI Road
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TV Station Channel 3 on Rama IV Road
TV Station Channel 5 on Phahon Yothin Road
TV Station Channel 7 on Phahon Yothin Road
TV Station Channel 9 on Rama IX Road
TV Station Channel 11 on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road
TV Station Channel Thai PBS on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road
Outside of Bangkok, the anti-government protesters are also rallying at several provincial
administration halls.
For tourists visiting the kingdom, it should be stressed that foreigners and/or tourists have
not been targeted in the ongoing political protests.
However, tourists are advised to be vigilant and avoid areas where crowds may gather.
Given the large number of people attending rallies at the five main locations as well as
marching to other different locations, roads around or within the protest areas and rally
routes maybe temporarily closed to traffic. Heavy road traffic at certain times can be
expected in many roads in Bangkok.
Tourists are advised to check travel route and road traffic situation to avoid getting caught in
traffic or they can use other means of transportation to getting around in Bangkok, including
BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link’s Express and City Lines, and
water-transport.
It’s business as usual in Thailand.
Albeit the volatile political situations in Bangkok, life in the Thai capital and all other areas of
Thailand continues as per normal. Tourist attractions and activities as well as businesses in
Bangkok and other provinces are open and operating as usual.
However, Siam Center, Siam Discovery Siam Paragon and CentralWorld Shopping
Complexes on Rama I Road as well as Major Cineplex on Ramkhamhaeng road will be
closed for one day on 1 December 2013.
Tourist attractions are open and operating as per normal.
In Bangkok:
Historical attractions, theme parks, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, local markets,
temples and river tours are open and operating as per normal, except for Siam Paragon,
Siam Center, Siam Discovery and CentralWorld Shopping Complexes on Rama I Road as
well as Major Cineplex on Ramkhamhaeng road which are temporarily closed today (1
December 2013).
To avoid heavy road traffic at certain times, tourists can use BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway,
ferry, boats and hotel’s converted rice barges to many attractions, such as, the Grand
Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of Dawn, ASIATIQUE The
Riverfront, and Terminal 21 Shopping Complex.
Outside of Bangkok:
Tourist activities in Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ko Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phang-nga and
Krabi, for instance, are operating as per normal.
For live images of Thai tourist destinations, check out these THAI LIVE CAM streaming
cameras that present a number of stunning preset views of Thailand’s most famous and
popular cities.
These provinces’ administration halls are located in official designated areas, and are not
where tourists normally go to or where tour companies include in the tour programme.
Transportation
International and domestic airlines are operating flights between Bangkok and Thai cities, as
well as destinations around the world, as per normal.
Thailand’s main gateway, Suvarnabhumi Airport, in Bangkok and all other international and
domestic airports throughout the country are operating as per normal. Transportation to and
from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports into central Bangkok as well as
into tourist destinations southeast and southwest of Bangkok; such as, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ko
Samet and Ko Chang are operating as per normal.
Suvarnabhumi Airport has advised air travellers of possible heavy road traffic and a lack of
taxis resulting from the protests in Bangkok. Commuters are advised to use public transport
such as BTS Skytrain, Airport Rail Link, public buses and vans, and limousine services. Air
travellers are also advised to allocate more time before flight depart or at least three hours.
The State Railway of Thailand and the Transport Co., Ltd., (inter-provincial bus service) are
operating as per normal. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority is operating its city bus routes
as per normal, although some routes are temporarily rerouted.
There is no reason at all to avoid Bangkok, which remains a popular tourist destination.
However, tourist can also spend their holidays in other Thai cities, which are located within 1
or 2 hour travelling time from Bangkok.
Getting around Thailand
 Bangkok, located 30 kilometres from Suvarnabhumi Airport or 30 minutes by car or
15 minutes by Airport Rail Link. Mass transit networks including BTS Skytrain, MRT
Subway and city buses are operating as usual.
 Chiang Mai, located 716 kilometres north of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or 7
hours 44 minutes by car or 1 hour 10 minutes by air.
 Phuket, located 865 kilometres south of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or 9 hours
50 minutes by car or 1 hour 25 minutes by air.
 Pattaya, located 120 kilometres southeast of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or 1
hour 17 minutes by car.
 Hua Hin, located 227.5 kilometres southwest of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or
2 hours 40 minutes by car.
 Ko Samui, located 804 kilometres southwest of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or
10 hours 34 minutes by car and ferry or 1 hour 5 minutes by air.
 Khon Kaen, located 458 kilometres northeast of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or
5 hours by car or 55 minutes by air.
 Nong Khai, located 630 kilometres northeast of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or
7 hours 5 minutes by car.
Security law
The Thai Government has announced the enforcement of the Internal Security Act (ISA) in
all districts of Bangkok and Nonthaburi, Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan and Lat Lum
Kaeo district of Pathum Thani until 31 December to maintain law and order.
The law does not prohibit nor obstruct peaceful demonstration held within the bounds of the
law, but it enables security agencies - police, military and civilian - to effectively prevent and
mitigate, as much as possible, undue disruption or impact on the safety of the general public.
Tourists need not be alarmed of the presence of security forces and checkpoints in Bangkok.
Police are deployed to provide security in the city. Security has been stepped up to prevent
ill-intentioned people from inciting violence. Traffic police are also stepping up efforts to
ensure traffic flow in the city.
Useful contact numbers:
Tourism Authority of Thailand Call Centre 1672
Thai Traffic Police Call Centre 1197
Thai Tourist Police Call Centre 1155
Bangkok Tourism Division Call Centre +66 (0) 2225 7612-4
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (city bus service) Call Centre 1348
State Railway of Thailand Call Centre 1690
Transport Co., Ltd., (inter-provincial bus service) Call Centre 1490
Airports of Thailand Call Centre 1722
Thai Airways International (THAI) Call Centre +66 (0) 2356 1111
Bangkok Airways Reservation Centre 1771
Nok Air Call Centre 1318
Thai AirAsia Call Centre +66 (0) 2515 9999