The Tourism Authority of Thailand website has advised that the Bangkok city protest is going ahead as planned. A total of nine rally points have been occupied by protestors of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee and two other anti-government groups.
Thai Airways says flights are operating normally in and out of Bangkok and passengers travelling from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports are advised to be at the airport four hours prior to departure.
Transport in and around BKK is operating with minimal disruption. With the exception of roads leading to the rally points, all roads are open. Airports of Thailand plc has issued special stickers to about 6 000 taxis carrying tourists and protestors have been asked to allow the orange stickered taxis through roads blocked as part of the city shutdown.
Additional frequencies have been added to the airport rail link, BTS Skytrain, and SRT train services. A shuttle bus pick-up point will be set up at dedicated hotels in Bangkok, in areas such as Sathon, Sukhumvit and Pathumwan. Each location will have one bus, two vans and a boat on standby.
Tourist Care facilities have been set up at the Sports Authority of Thailand at Hua Mak Stadium, as well as Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports. Tourist help desks will be available at the BTS Skytrain Siam, Phaya Thai, Ekkamai and Wong Wian Yai Stations and MRT subway Hua Lamphong Station.
Department stores, banks, restaurants, entertainment venues and shopping malls are operating as usual, some with changes to operating hours.
Communication and Internet services are available 24/7.
- Mandy Watson
