The anti-government rallies stated by the middle-class "yellow shirt" camp in Bangkok began yesterday, one day ahead of the original plan. The unexpected activity has prompted the shutdown of several locations, and the deployment of law enforcement forces at protest sites.
According to the Bangkok Post, protestors began blocking traffic with sandbags and barriers, and setting up stages along the Pathumwan intersection, Lat Phrao intersection, Chaengwattana Road and Victory Monument yesterday.
The article reported that bus services have since been rerouted, and that the earlier-than-expected rallies did not cause any significant disruptions. However, at least two cases of nighttime shootings have been reported so far, which has led to army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha calling a meeting with senior military officers to discuss the growing unrest.
In terms of air travel towards Bangkok, Thai Airways has issued a statement detailing that it will be operating services as normal, but advises passengers travelling to Subarnabhumi Airport to avoid affected roads in the city.
Thai Airways has also reported that the ticketing services at its head office at the Government complex in Chaengwattana Road has closed due to the protest. Ticketing locations in Larn Luang, Si Lom, and Suvarnabhumi airport are operating as normal.
Many countries have issued alerts for travellers bound for Bangkok. The Security Bureau in Hong Kong has issued the “Red” Outbound Travel Alert against the city, meaning that visitors there face “significant threat”. Those with plans to travel to Bangkok are advised to postpone their visit and avoid any non-essential travel to the Thai capital at this point.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore has posted a travel notice on its website detailing the situation in Bangkok. It warns Singaporeans who wish to travel to the Thai capital that they may encounter increased security presence and major traffic disruption. Travellers are advised to monitor the local news and developments closely, and take all necessary precautions.
For more information, visit www.sb.gov.hk, www.mfa.gov.sg, www.thaiairways.com
Clement Huang
