Bangkok Still a ‘no go’ Travel Zone

Bangkok as the gateway for Thailand is one of the most travelled to cities in the world. For many travellers Thailand is simply must-visit place. Unfortunately, except for the most fool-hardy Bangkok should remain off most people’s travel list.

The Stunning Beaches of Thailand's Islands

Today saw an easing of tensions in the main city after days of intense running battles between government troops and protesters. Protesters had seized government house in the past 24 hours but relinquished possession today under threat from troops in armoured vehicles. Unfortunately, it seems incredibly unlikely that this is the end of the violence and citizens and travellers alike are being warned to keep off the streets - particularly at night.

The adverse situation in Thailand has been going on for well-over a year now as supporters of the ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawtra (that’s the same guy who bought Manchester City football team before selling it on to an Arabian Royal Family) protest against the current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, whom they are demanding step down.

Despite Thailand being one of the worlds’ premium travel destinations, the violence that has ebbed and flowed during the past year has meant that it’s not a safe-time to recommend Thailand as a place to visit .Normally at this time of the year the Songkran festivities would be held and trucks and utility vehicles would normally be driving in convoy up and down the streets with much fanfare and drums of water soaking the revellers. However, with Bangkok under emergency law the streets remain conspicuously quiet and dry.

Songkran Festival, Thailand

For Thai tourism the news is depressing. Most international governments are warning travellers not to venture to Thailand. Britain’s Foreign Office described the situation as “volatile and unpredictable with a high risk of further bloodshed”. One of the most sensible recommendations comes from the Japanese Foreign Office which warns against wearing red (anti-Abhisit government) or yellow (pro-Shinawtra) clothing. Both the warnings and the violence now seem much worse than anything in the recent history including the storming of the Airport that took place last November and left tens of thousands of international travellers stranded.

The Thai government has been spending large amounts of money internationally to promote tourism since then - but with this recent wave of violence it seems like it will be a long road back for Thailand to enjoying those millions and millions of tourists that flock to what was such a peaceful Buddhist culture. The current economic environment will only serve to worsen the situation.

The loss of Thailand as a travel destination is extremely depressing as Thailand is one of the most special countries in the world to experience. The people alone are absolutely wonderful - incredibly friendly and welcoming to all strangers. The scenery is equally fantastic; from the jungles in the north to the incredible beaches in the south. So far it has taken three years and there has be no political resolve - let’s hope something can be sorted sooner than later and the Thai people can get back to normal life and us addicted travellers can once again add Thailand back on the A-List.