Booking a holiday to Thailand?
Booking a holiday to Thailand?
Author
Discussion

turbotongue

Original Poster:

7,573 posts

196 months

Friday 23rd April 2010
quotequote all
I am thinking about booking a couple of weeks in Thailand in June. Not in Bangkok but on one of the small islands.. will be flying into Bangkok.

Given the current political upheaval ( http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8637... ) and the current advice of the foreign office to ''only go if you have to'' do you think im better off booking somewhere else or taking a gamble?

I really want to go to thailand...

turbotongue

Original Poster:

7,573 posts

196 months

Friday 23rd April 2010
quotequote all
Sorry! Just found the other thread.

Your advice would still be welcome though

Pothole

34,367 posts

298 months

Friday 23rd April 2010
quotequote all
sorry for being blunt and I'm sure I'll be shot down in flames by some PH Asian politics expert but which part of 'only go if you have to' are you having difficulty with?

Pothole

34,367 posts

298 months

Friday 23rd April 2010
quotequote all
Although in fact the FCO website says:

We advise against all but essential travel to the city of Bangkok, in light of ongoing political demonstrations and outbreaks of violence within the city. This advice does not apply to passengers transiting Bangkok airport on their way to other destinations in Thailand or internationally.


British Nationals should exercise extreme caution throughout the country, and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, some of which have recently turned violent.
If violence breaks out again British nationals are advised to remain indoors and to monitor the media and this website. Suvarnabhumi airport is operating as normal. The route to the airport from Bangkok city remains open.

British nationals requiring consular assistance should call 02 305 8333 (in Thailand). British nationals are encouraged to register with our LOCATE service.

The political situation in Thailand is volatile and tense. Violence could break out without warning. On 22 April, five grenades were fired from M-79 launchers at the skytrain (BTS) station at Saladaeng and nearby areas, killing at least one person and injuring 75 others, including three foreign nations. Tension continues to build in this area, which is patrolled by large numbers of armed troops. The Skytrain and the MRT (underground metro) are currently operating a restricted service.

turbotongue

Original Poster:

7,573 posts

196 months

Friday 23rd April 2010
quotequote all
Pothole said:
sorry for being blunt and I'm sure I'll be shot down in flames by some PH Asian politics expert but which part of 'only go if you have to' are you having difficulty with?
I am having difficulty with the feeling that I really want to go there and I will be on an island miles away from the problems in Bangkok.

ETA: Still need to get out at Bangkok and board a bus to further destination.



Edited by turbotongue on Friday 23 April 18:57

Shelsleyf2

423 posts

248 months

Friday 23rd April 2010
quotequote all
You can fly UK to KL on Air asia and on to Phuket, bypassing Bangkok altogether if it realkly troubles you. as far as I am aware all the protests are anti goverment and focussed on the seat of goverment.Mind if the King should die while your out there who knows what might kick off.

Shelsley f2


Shay HTFC

3,588 posts

205 months

Friday 23rd April 2010
quotequote all
Pothole said:
sorry for being blunt and I'm sure I'll be shot down in flames by some PH Asian politics expert but which part of 'only go if you have to' are you having difficulty with?
They pretty much give you that advice when there is a chance that a local might get angry in a supermarket. The FCO is normally way over cautious.

Travel Demon

16 posts

184 months

Friday 23rd April 2010
quotequote all
I have customers that have come back from 1 week on Koh Samui and 1 Week in Phuket - we arranged their travel through K.L - I have spoken to them today and they tell me there were no problems at all and if they had not been told by other people about the troble in BKK they would have been none the wiser.

Go, Have fun and just avoid BKK !!

v15ben

16,043 posts

257 months

Friday 23rd April 2010
quotequote all
I'd be happy to fly into the airport and out to somewhere else at the moment. Wouldn't fancy too much time in the city centre though!