…
The leaders of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) called off their anti-government protests around noon yesterday. The protestors, including those at the main demonstration site around the Government House, have dispersed. Most of the shopping malls in Bangkok re-opened yesterday afternoon. The BTS SkyTrain, subway services, public utilities and communication services have continued to operate uninterrupted. Bus services on most routes and the train service to/from Bangkok have resumed.
The following six roads and intersections are still being cleared of debris left by the protests and will be re-open to traffic shortly – Din Daeng to the Victory Monument, Yommaraj, Uruphong, Sapan Panfah, roads around the Rama V Equestrian Statue, and Sutthisan Road around the Mitr Maitree intersection.
With the exception of the above, all other roads in Bangkok are open to traffic and all other travel-related infrastructure and services, including all airports, train services throughout the country, and roadways are operating as normal and all other parts of Thailand are safe for travel and tourists can still visit other destinations and attractions.
Under the emergency decree, the prohibition of public gatherings of more than five people in Bangkok is limited to political activities and acts which may lead to unrest.
The measure does not in any way apply to Songkran celebrations and festivities, the organization of local and international corporate meetings, incentive events, conventions, and exhibitions, or MICE. It is ‘business-as-usual’ for all MICE events hosted in Thailand.
The Kingdom’s various tourist attractions and shopping districts are open for business as usual and tourists and visitors can continue to enjoy the variety of sites, food and experiences.
The Emergency Decree is only a temporary measure and is expected to be lifted soon.
Additional information for tourists is available at the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Call Centre at 1672 (calling from within Thailand) or +662-652-8313 (calling from overseas).
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
