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[aacodohue]

I've been reading a lot about the current protests and incidents of explosive attacks in Bangkok and other parts of the country. I'm a female traveling alone in late may to Bangkok and Phuket, I was wondering if it's safe to make the trip alone? Anyone traveling in Thailand right now that can offer some insights?
Thanks!

[luke_1989]

Hi

Im going to Bangkok on friday to start my gap year. I am booked on a tour called Thaintro and they said it shouldnt affect us just may cause a lot of traffic. I am also quite worried now but as long as you stay away from the protests everything should be OK.

I will let you know what the situation is like one i am out there.

Luke

[darrenstravels]

Hi, im in Thailand now, and have been in Bangkok since the red shirts arrived.

First off, dont worry. No one is interested in hurting tourists. Any who have been injured at been at the protest sites on purpose, and ignored the police to not go and watch. The places this happens are well documented. Also currently it looks like the army is refusing to use force again, so things are currently fine.

So, its small parts of bangkok (and the police do warn you when youre nearby), dont go and get involved and youll be fine.

It wont affect your trip in anyway! So stop worrying and concentrate on the awesomeness coming your way.

[ScottWoz]

Darren's right on the money. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. Just go and have the time of your life..

[curt1591]

People familiar with Bangkok have very little to "worry" about. Unfortunately, those unfamiliar, can easily wander into trouble. This stuff isn't happening in isolation this time.

Keep up to date by asking the hotel / hostel staff what's going on, how to get where you are going, and if there might be better alternative plans.

[skylab]

just may cause a lot of traffic.

Nothing new there...

[nealinthailand]

I am usually the first one to say ignore the television and come on over. this being said, most of the violence that occured the other night was on or near khao san road which is the backpacker mecca. if you are going to bkk then i would avoid that whole area because this is where the democracy monument is and also very close to government house and the palace which are all places that the red shirts congregate. i'm staying in the south and no sign of trouble.

[skylab]

Well that road sucks anyway. heh

[darrenstravels]

Spent the afternoon in KoSan / Democracy monument area. Business as normal here. Still the same old camden market style street with crap tee shirts but some great food.

Apparently the reds have moved to the business area, Siam Square, I think. The place with all the malls.

It has affected the package tourists market though. A few locals on Samui said many cancellations had been made by the richer, upmarket tour groups. The indie guys are there as normal though.

I saw an Army humvee parked up at a roadblock earlier. It had a large Coca Cola garden umbrella sticking out the top :-)

[curt1591]

The protesters are occupying the Ratchaprasong area, the area branching out from the intersection of Rama I, Ploenchit and Ratchadamri. This is where CentralWorld, Gaysorn Plaza and the Erawan Shrine are located.

Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery have been closed. Siam Square is very empty. MBK Center has been open, pretty much throughout.

The government has set up a blockade, to keep the protesters from heading into Silom.

"Informal" army checkpoints are set up on most expressways, tollways and some major roads. Incidental stops are made.

The Coca Cola umbrella may give the situation a "festive" appearance, but the mood is anything but. This is a very unstable time. The affected area should be avoided, especially by those unfamiliar with the people, the situation and the area.

[skylab]

From twitter..
In BKK today: Paragon, SiamCenter, Discovery & CentralWorld closed; BTS Chidlom open (incl part of skybridge) as of 10am /via @richardbarrow

[lunthom]

I've been reading a lot about the current protests and incidents of explosive attacks in Bangkok and other parts of the country. I'm a female traveling alone in late may to Bangkok and Phuket, I was wondering if it's safe to make the trip alone? Anyone traveling in Thailand right now that can offer some insights?
Thanks!

I'm Thai and live in BKK and pass Silom every days , Nothing dangerous don't worry to come to Thailand , Anyway for the safety don't pass the risk area that all.

[gemmacakebread]

im sue to go to thailand on the 14th starting in bkk. im not concerned with the whole protests thing as the uk has a habit of blowing these things out of proportion.
however i am worried about my travel insurance!!!! does anyone know what the consequences would be for me to go even though its invalidated by the fco advice? or know of an insurance company that will still cover me for thailand despite the advice?

thanks xx

[curt1591]

The warnings will void most insurance.

[aopaq]

I tend to agree with curt1591 but the best thing to do is read carefully the fine print in your policy especially where it talks about Exclusions or when the coverage no longer applies. And if you are still uncertain, contact the insurance company for clarification.

I am pretty sure most policies state exclusion related to acts of war, natural disasters and terrorism unless you buy specific coverage for this. Civil unrest might also fall into this category as well. Just be aware that if an insurance company can find a reason not to pay out a claim, they likely will use that to justify not giving you any money.

[gemmacakebread]

are there many people that go away without it? cause i still want to go. but i dont want my family to pay out loads of money if i broke my arm!! thanks

[curt1591]

are there many people that go away without it? cause i still want to go. but i dont want my family to pay out loads of money if i broke my arm!! thanks

My medical insurance isn't travel insurance, and it will reimburse a percentage of my costs, anywhere in the world. As such, there is no "No Travel" stipulation.

Most travel insurers will void policies if one travels to "No Travel" areas. The exact designation depends on the company.

Many people from countries with wonderful socialized medicine will still opt for private care. If you are familiar with private care costs, medical care in Thailand costs a small fraction of the costs in the West.

[Paul]

Here is a map of where the dangerous parts are:

http://richardbarrow.com/

If you are in Bangkok now or arriving, DO NOT GO TO THESE AREAS.

1. It is very dangerous for you.

2. The Army and police and hospitals don't need the extra work of trying to look after you - they have enough to do.

Go to the beaches or elsewhere - everything will be fine.

[skylab]

Wow.. That's a really detailed map. Good article as well.

[curt1591]

Here is a map of where the dangerous parts are:

http://richardbarrow.com/

If you are in Bangkok now or arriving, DO NOT GO TO THESE AREAS.

Most taxis won't head anywhere near these areas. In fact, from the airport, drivers are being very selective about the destinations of their fares.

For the most part, the police and military won't allow people into the affected areas, without an ID showing residency. That doesn't mean it won't spill over when confrontations begin.

Do stay away.