On May 22 (Thursday), the Thai army seized power from the caretaker government, which had been instated early in this month after the Constitutional Court of Thailand ordered former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down for charges of abuse of power.
According to Roger Wu, a Hong Kong native and guidebook author who lives in Thailand, after Thai Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha announced the coup citing his futile efforts to reconcile rival political factions as the reason, Bangkok has remained calm, but a countrywide curfew has been imposed from 10pm-5am. "Unless there are radical red shirt protestors stirring things up, there will unlikely be violent conflicts," he said.
Travel security services company International SOS has advised travellers to defer non-essential travel to the country’s capital Bangkok. The company stressed that the situation has become unpredictable and required close monitoring.
“Organisations with local offices in Bangkok should review their business continuity plans and ensure they are able to locate and communicate with all of their staff in the country,” said Eliza Murray, regional security manager – Asia Pacific.
As TV and radio channels have been blocked in the country, International SOS has asked travellers to pay close attention to developments “via the international news media and local contacts prior to and during [travel]”.
Hong Kong Security Bureau has issued a red outbound travel alert against Thailand and advises "residents intending to visit the country should adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel, including leisure travel."
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore has also issued a statement asking citizens to "seriously reconsider visiting Thailand at the moment." Singaporeans who have to travel to the country are encouraged to eRegister with the ministry at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/, so that they can be contacted when the need arises.
Travellers who are in Thailand are advised to stay away from large gatherings.
In addition, both Thai Airways and Etihad Airways have issued statements regarding the coup and stated that at this time, both companies will be operating all flights as normal.
However, the carriers have recommended passengers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, and to present their travel documents if requested by the military. It is worth noting that traffic in Bangkok is likely to be more congested than usual because of road blocking and diversions. Make sure that you leave for the airport earlier than usual.
For tickets issued on or before May 21, Etihad Airways is offering one free of charge move to another date of travel on or before June 15. In addition, cancellation fees will also be waived for tickets issued before May 21 and for travel before June 5.
Cathay Pacific and Dragonair have also followed suit by waiving all rebooking charges for tickets issued on or before May 22 for travel to Bangkok between May 22 and 30.
Passengers should also be aware that aboveground and underground rail links will be suspended from 9pm, and taxi availability will be limited, too.
Hotel guests should therefore consider airport limousine services through their hotels.
Join the debate on our forum here.
Visit www.internationalsos.com, www.thaiairways.com and www.etihad.com
Reggie Ho and Clement Huang
