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This is a very brief overview of the current situation in Bangkok,
Thailand.? We are keeping an eye on the situation, so come back for
regular updates
What’s happening in Thailand:
From ,
Global Security Specialists
" On 10 April, at least 15 people were killed and more than 650 others injured in violent clashes between riot police and supporters of the anti-government UDD in central Bangkok. The UDD is calling for the resignation of the prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, and the establishment of early elections. The violent confrontations were initially limited to the Ratchaprasong intersection and the Phan Fa bridge areas of the city, but later spread to surrounding areas, such as the popular Khao San Road.
Elsewhere in the country, hundreds of UDD protesters occupied government buildings in the cities of Chiang Mai and Udon Thani. Although there were no incidents of violence reported, the protesters vowed to seize more government institutions if state security personnel continued their crackdown on UDD supporters in the capital.
Currently, Bangkok remains under a state of emergency, which empowers the military to restore order and allows authorities to suspend certain civil liberties and ban all public gatherings of more than five people. In addition, the Internal Security Act, which grants security forces additional powers to restrict movement and implement curfews in affected areas, will remain in force until at least 20 April. "
From (12 Apr)
"THAILAND’S red-shirt protesters will parade the bodies of their "heroes", those killed in the weekend’s anti-government protests, through the streets of Bangkok today, carrying them to the Prime Minister’s house in an inflammatory gesture.
Already, 20 people have been killed – 15 protesters, four soldiers and one journalist – in the Thai capital after pitched battles between protesters and security forces saw petrol bombs and grenades thrown, and live rounds fired by both sides.
An uneasy peace settled on the city last night, but an immediate solution to the crisis, particularly one without further violence, is looking increasingly unlikely."
How
does this affect travellers?
advises,
"Demonstrations can develop quickly and turn violent with little warning. In the event of protest action, disruptions could occur in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, including to transport and other infrastructure. You should avoid demonstration sites, political rallies, military deployments and concentrations of security personnel. You should also closely monitor developments and follow any instructions issued by local authorities. If you are in an area where demonstrators are gathering, you should leave the area immediately. We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution because of the high
threat of terrorist attack and because of political instability in
Thailand."
What is the official Govt Travel Advice?
This data can
change frequently, so please check your local Government’s website.?
Also, register with your foreign affairs department so they can more
easily find you in the event of an emergency.
UK Govt –
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Canada -
Foreign Affairs & International Trade
What should
you do?
WorldNomads.com’s
Insurance Director, Graham Kingaby gives this advice to travellers in
Bangkok or thinking of travelling there…
- Avoid all
political gatherings or demonstrations - Avoid areas in and around
government buildings, particularly around Govt House and Parliament and
Police HQ. - Keep an eye on the airline websites
if you are travelling through Bangkok to find out about travel
disruptions or redirections - Advise friends and family of your
location via phone, email or on your travel blog, just in case the
situation deteriorates
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The
website will continue to monitor this situation in the SafetyHub blog.?
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source to this post: Travel Alert : Thailand – Political Instability
From the Travel Insurance Related Tips website
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