[Sam-the-one]

Travellers warned as fear of violence grows in Bangkok
BEN DOHERTY
March 11, 2010

BANGKOK: Australians have been warned about travelling to Bangkok this weekend, as fears grow that huge anti-government protests will turn violent.

The Thai government has invoked the Internal Security Act, in force from this morning until March 23, restricting movement around Bangkok and giving police and soldiers sweeping powers to detain protesters and shut down parts of the city.

The Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, having cancelled a visit to Australia this weekend, is considering moving to a safe house for the duration of the protests, while anti-government ''red shirt'' protesters have not ruled out seizing control of Bangkok's international airport, as happened during demonstrations two years ago.

Police and soldiers are guarding the airport, as well as key intersections and train stations, while barricades and razor-wire fences are being erected outside key government buildings.

Fears the rallies may turn violent have been fuelled this week by the theft of a cache of weapons, including rifles, ammunition and grenades, from an army base in Thailand's south.

Intelligence reports, quoted by Mr Abhisit, indicate the possibility of acts of sabotage and of troops and police joining protesters in attacking government targets.

The protesters, marching under the banner of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship and loyal to the ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, are holding rallies in regional areas this week. Thaksin lives in exile after being convicted in absentia of corruption.

From tomorrow, the demonstrators will begin massing on the outskirts of Bangkok before moving to the old part of the city for mass protests on Saturday and Sunday, calling for the dissolution of Parliament and for fresh elections to be held.

The government is threatening to use troops and police to stop demonstrators reaching Bangkok, but they say that if necessary they will travel by boat along the Chao Praya River to reach Bangkok.

Australia yesterday issued a travel advisory.

''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,'' it said.

''There is a strong possibility of violence and civil unrest … particularly in Bangkok, during March. Australians should avoid any prominent buildings associated with the Thai government, such as Government House, the Parliament building, the Supreme Court and military installations. Grenade attacks, including against banks, have occurred in the past month and further attacks are possible over the coming weeks.''



http://www.smh.com.a...00310-pzdr.html

[Steeve69]

Bad news for tourism in Thailand...

[Muso]

Here we go... Phillipines/Cambo/Viet anyone? lol
Sure it will be a storm in a teacup...(again)...fingers crossed...

[leeds]

yea hope it,s no problem thing is its been all simmering for years now ,be bad news for los if it does explode hope not

[Lestat]

Again? :Brain_Fart:

[bodbod]

Most of his support is from the north he’s probably got 1/3rd of the vote if heas lucky I don’t think pattaya or the air port will see any problems don’t think the government will let them shut the air port down pity I go home tomorrow/ today I am not happy prob 6/7 months till I come back, Revue my upgrade to advanced thank you :GoldenSmile1:

[scj]

Sure hope this all blows over by Songkran.

Been their through the Coop and airport takeover. Mainly a big inconvienence, but would hate to be en-route to LOS and still have them pissing and moaning in the streets.

[rocko]

I was there for the airport take-over as well. Not too bad being that I was already there, and just had to extend my stay. (ohh, twist my arm to stay in LOS).
But this time I will be flying in on March 13th(only couple of days), hope all is civil enough for me to process through the airport and be on my way to Patts.

[turock1000]

Hopefully it blows over!!!

I was lucky last time i flew into Bangkok the day before they took over the airport, stayed one night and was on a train to chiang mai the next day when the shit hit the fan.

[jerry]

There we go again !

[pubstud]

I reckon there'll be a shit storm in BKK this weekend, especially Sunday, however, it'll only be dangerous in those areas of BKK where the Red Shirts will be holding their protests. People in the provinces won't see any differences. It'll be interesting to see what the Reds get up to, this'll most likely be their final big push to bring down the gov. They may well march on the airport like the Yellow Shirts did. The airport did the trick for the yellows and pulled the gov down, so the same tactic would probably work for the Reds. Whatever they get up to this weekend it's gonna be serious in BKK. Not a good time for tourists to walk around doing shopping & sightseeing.

[kuffki]

I think there is less chance being hurt by the "reds" then being robbed by the ladyboy or die of viagra overdose as long as you do not go into the heart of protests.
But if you want to be safe, here is some guide
1. Always make sure to have 1 red piece of clothing. Should you run into "red" trouble
2. Always have 1 yellow piece of clothing. Should you run into "yellows"
3. Always have 1 green piece of clothing, should you run into cops or army, this way you can claim you just in fashion!
4. Do not go out topless, as you could be raped by the ladyboys

Basically at all times, wear red shirt,yellow shorts and green shoes.