Everything You Need to Know About the Bangkok Shutdown
CNN International: Richard Barrow, a full-time travel blogger based in Bangkok, is a top source for those seeking news about the protests as well as travel advice for tourists. He can be followed at Twitter.com/richardbarrow
UPDATE: The Bangkok Shutdown is over. Please click here for the latest updates.
Please read my latest tweets above before asking questions. Also check the map for latest updates on protest sites.
The Bangkok Shutdown is continuing into February now. As long as you stay away from rally sites and large gatherings you will be fine. The main rally sites affecting tourists are at Phathumwan (MBK), Ratchaprasong (Central World), Asoke (Terminal 21) and Sala Daeng (Silom). However, malls at all these locations have skybridge access from skytrain stations. All transport is running in Bangkok and airports are not under threat of closure. Elsewhere in Thailand is safe.
I don’t get paid to help tourists on twitter. If you would like to buy me a beer or make a donation, please use the form in the top left. Also, if you book your hotel on agoda by using this link, I get a small commission. It doesn’t affect your price. Thanks.
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Five Intersections and roads they closed from 13 January:
1. Phathumwan (Near MBK & Siam Square)
2. Ratchaprasong (Near Central World)
3. Sala Daeng (Near Lumpini Park & Silom)
4. Asoke Intersection (Near Terminal 21)
5. Chaeng Wattana
Ratchadamnoen Avenue near Government House still has rally sites and is marked as a danger zone on my map.
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If you are coming to Bangkok during this time you should be alright, but obviously you might find it difficult to get around during the shutdown. It will also be unpredictable. If this concerns you then maybe you should go to Chiang Mai or Phuket instead. Or at least move to one of the nearby seaside resorts like Pattaya or Hua Hin for a few days if things heat up. Follow me on Twitter @RichardBarrow if you want to learn the full details as and when they are announced by the protest leaders. At the moment, I am spending 100% of my energy and time on reporting on the protests in Bangkok. I’ve quit my regular job to do this.
LATEST UPDATES and FAQ from TWITTER:
- Protesters at the rally sites Lad Prao & Victory Monument have moved to Lumpini. At the moment it looks like Chaeng Wattana will remain.
- The most dangerous rally sites are at Ratchadamnoen, Chaeng Wattana & Lumpini in that order. Safest at Asoke, Ratchaprasong & Phathumwan.
- As far as tourists are concerned, everything is open as normal. This includes tourist attractions, shopping malls, trains & airports.
- Even malls like MBK, Siam Center, Paragon, Terminal 21 & CentralWorld have safe access via skybridges & are now open until later at night.
- Stay away from rally sites & large gatherings in #Bangkok & you’ll be fine. Visiting them is like crossing the road without looking.
UPDATE: The Bangkok Shutdown is over. Please click here for the latest updates.
Hi Richard,
I’m in a serious dilemma whether should i head over to Bangkok on the 25 of March. As i will be staying over at Grand Diamond Hotel, is taxi accessible to this location?
Appreciate and thanks!
Regards
Yes, Grand Diamond Hotel is accessible by taxi.
Hi Richard,
Thanks for all the info from Bangkok. I’m traveling to Bangkok on 27th feb to 2nd march stay at Berkeley hotel pratunam. It is safe in Bangkok now? I read from news that Thai farmers threatens to closed the airport if they doesn’t get the money today. Kindly advise as I’m kind of worried.
Airport is old news. Never happened. Pratunam hotel is fine but be careful at the intersection as it is entrance to rally site.
Hey,
Going to Bangkok tomorrow for two nights staying at Chatrium Hotel Riverside (28 Charoenkrung Road) is it safe to stay here ??
Thanks
River side hotels are all safe.
Hi Richard,
I’ll be staying at Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel on 1st March. Will taxi be accessible from airport to the hotel without going through those rally site? And where is the nearest BTS?
Hi Richard,
I’m going to bkk 12-17 March, sstaying at centara Watergate hotel. Is that safe?
Pratunam itself is fine. But the intersection marks the start of the rally site. So be careful when near there and don’t be attempted to enter.
Hi Rich,
Our group of 3 guys will be landing in BKK on March 7th. Our hotel is at 55 Buranasart Rd., San Chawporser, Phra Nakhon. It’s close to the Grand Palace. We will be in BKK for 5 days, first two days focusing on the major tourist sites; shrines, temples, etc. last two days we will be doing an elephant excursion and lastly fishing at the bungsaram fishing park. This is our first time in BKK. What do you think the best possible way for us to avoid the protest zones? I’ve been studying your map to build a route just in case. Has finding tuk tuks and taxis been a problem going to popular sites? Thanks!
You should be safe there but do be aware that there are protesters in the area. Taxi access shouldn’t be a problem.
Hi Richard,
Thanks for all the updates for us tourist.
We will stay in 216 North Sathorn Silom Bangrak, 10500, Thailand
Is it safe?
Thanks
Sathorn Road is fine.
Hi Richard,
Will be staying at Glow Pratunam (Just opposite Pantip Plaza. Will it be accessible from airport to the hotel?
And what is the best route to take if we like to get to MBK?
Yes, it has taxi access from the airport.
Hi Richard,
Is it safe to visit the street/flea markets outside siam paragon?
No! There is a rally site there.
Hi Richard,
i know that siam square area is a rally site, but is it safe to go to mall at that area trough Skybridge from BTS Station?
How about platinum and pratunam? As far as i know there is no skybridge access to platinum and pratunam.. how can we get there safely? Because u said that we not advisable to walk on street near the rally site like around c2entral world..
Thank for your reply..
Malls at Siam Sqaure have skybridge access. For Platinum you have to go by taxi. Be careful near Pratunam intersection as a grenade was thrown there the other day.
Hello Richard.
I have a big question that needs answering please. If I land in Don Muang airport February 25 2014 at night do you think that I will be able to get a taxi out of the airport to go to the nasa vegas hotel aera?
With the current situation, I have to be sure not to get stuck in that airport.
Thanks in advance for your replay.
Best regards,
Paul
I’;m sure you will be fine. You won’t be the only person landing and so there will be taxis for sure.
Hi Richard ,
Me and my frens will going Bkk on 1 Mar – 4 Mar 2014 .
We will stay at ‘The Berkeley Hotel ‘ which in Pratunam .. will it be safe for that area? And we plan to go Chinatown , central world, platinum mall ,chatucak .. any rios on those area? Safe?
Appreciate your updates..Thanks a lot 🙂
Pratunam is fine for shopping but the rally site starts at Pratunam intersection. Be careful there. Chinatown area is also fine. Central World has a rally site in front of it and three people died near there last night.
Hi, we arrived in bangkok as first time visitors yesterday before the terrible explosion occurred by Big C. We are trying to be smart as you advise and keep up with news and away from protest sites. What is the safest way to get to the grand palace from phloen chit station? Your advice is appreciated!
Take skytrain to BTS Saphan Taksin and then boat to Tha Chang.
Hi, Thanks for your website.
We are travelling to Bangkok in mid March, staying at Amari Watergate.
If we take taxis to around, do you think it will be ok? Or my BTS is better?
There are no trains where you are. Taxis will be fine.
Hi Richard,
Thanks so much for the map.
Just wondering,
1) chatuchak market is definitely not affected right?
2) are the night flea markets along siam paragon safe?
Chatuchak area is safe. Any shops on the ground level at Siam Square should be seen as potentially dangerous.
Hello Richard,
I read that protests are heating up in some island areas now too. We are headed to Krabi/Ko Lanta on Mar 2. What do you know about the situation down there. Concerned after hearing about the shootings in Trat.
Currently in Chiang Mai
Michelle
Which island area? If you are talking about the shooting in Trat, then that is away from the holiday island of Koh Chang.
Hi Richard
Thanks a lot for your updates. They’ve been more than helpful.
I’m not exactly familiar with Bangkok so I’d really appreciate it if you could address a few of my questions.
We will be heading to Bangkok in a few days.
Do you reckon Platinum Mall is still okay to visit?
Would you suggest we avoid visiting any shops inside Siam Square altogether and only go to the nearby malls (e.g. Siam Paragon) at best?
Platinum Mall is safe but don’t enter the nearby rally site that starts at the Pratunam intersection. At Siam Square, only go to the malls you can enter from the skytrain station. Don’t go down to street level.
Hi Richard,
Great tips – thanks! I’m wondering if you can tell me if the area my hotel I will be staying in 2 weeks time is in a safe area? I’ll be staying at Baan Chart (98 Jakgapong Road) near Khao San Road. I was going to travel there from the airport by taxi as I will be flying in late night. If not safe, any area you would recommend for a hotel?
Thanks in advance!
Gerard
Khao San Road area is safe.
Hi richard, issit better to cancel off my trip if im travelling to bkk from the 6th to the 10th of march?
Sorry, only you can answer that question.
Planning to visit the Victory Monument area in mid-March. Is the area safe?
No problem in the Victory Monument area.
Hi Richard. I have checked your protest sites map and could you tell me if it is possible to arrive by taxi at 55 / 1 Soi Mahadlekluang 1, Rajdamri Road, Bangkok 10330 (Courtyard by Marriott Hotel)?
Regards,
Eduardo
Should have taxi access from the south, but the taxi might have to go the long way round.
Hi Richard,
thanks a lot for your Google Map – for me it’s the best piece of information about what’s going on in BKK.
I’ll be staying at Suk Soi 18 in March/April. I now wonder if it will be safe to take the Trains at Asok, because I don’t think there’s a way to get there without crossing the rally site.
Not a good idea to go down to Asoke at ground level. Your risk. Your choice.
Thanks for your swift reply – I have no intention to set a foot on a rally side! I just wondered if there was a way to the trains at Asok station without going through the rally side. Now that I know that’s not possible, I cancelled the booking at Park Plaza Soi 18 and decided on another hotel in an unafflicted area.
Hi Richard,
I Can’t tell you how glad I am to have found you! My boyfriend is in an engineer, working in Bangkok at the moment, in lat krabang I think. He is staying, in the grand sukhumvit hotel. I am concerned that this seems to be very close to two protests sites, where the last episodes of violence have taken place.
Please could you advise? I will it be ok if he just avoids the red areas on your map, or would he be best to move away from the area, and closer to the airport?
Thank you so much in advance for your help x
Grand Sukhumwit is fine and has taxi access.
Hi Richard,
still haven’t decided if I should cancel my stay in Sala Daeng hotel …
can you tell me about Silom/Lumpini rally site – any grenades/shootings there so far? is it safe to access BTS at Sala Daeng?
thank you, always take care
Peter
I have just spent 3 weeks at the Bandara Suites in Silom (Sala Dang) with no issues at all. As always just need to keep your common sense about you as it is near the rally site at Lumpini, taxi access is hit and miss as a number of drive don’t want to co.e down this way, but BTS and MRT all working fine. Hope you have a great time here as we have (06/25 Feb)
Hi Leeann,
thanks for your answer, very much appreciated! 🙂
so you also used BTS – I suppose crowded in the afternoon/eventing?
Anyway, I will find out – finally decided to go … 🙂
cheers Peter
Hi Richard we leaving South Africa 14 April till 20th in bangkok and 2 weeks in Phuket we staying in Centara grand pavillion need to do business at platinum fashion mall, khao San ,china mall ,radjaprarop road, and pratunam Do you think we will be fine
Kind regards
Jacqueline Kruger
Should be fine but ask me again nearer the time.
Hi richard, i will be travelling with my friends from 12 mar to 18 mar and will be staying at Citadines Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok. Pls advise whether is the hotel area safe! Appreciate your effort!
There is a rally site to the north but you should still be ablke to access by taxi.
Hi Richard. I have one month off mid march and wanted to fly into Bangkok and visit Thailand. Is it best to just avoid going and change destinations to an alternate country in SE Asia? Does it look like there’s any hope for an end in sight to the protests?
Difficult to say how much longer this will go on for. Bangkok is a big city. You can avoid the rally sites by using my map or why don’t you just head elsewhere in Thailand?
We are flying into BKK on Feb. 27th and out of MBK on March 1st. Is taxi the easiest/safest way to get from one to the other? Will most drivers know the routes to avoid protest sites? We would like to avoid them altogether and are staying at 2 different hotels in close proximity to each airport.
I’m sure the taxi driver will know the way as this has been going on for a while now.
Hi Richard,
Thank you for doing a great job keeping us tourists informed. We just came back to Seattle from a 2 week Bangkok trip and did not encounter any problems visiting any major sites excepts the Marble temple which was avoided. All the rally sites were easily avoided using the skybridges to the malls. We would not have went ahead with the trip without your updates! Thank you again.
Vivian
I’m going to bangkok on the 25th to 27th of February, I live in the area pratunam, baiyoke sky hotel,,is it safe to travel at this time to bangkok? How about the platinum mall?, is it safe?? Thanks
The rally site starts at Pratunam intersection. Nearby malls and markets are outside the rally area.
Dear Richard, I appreciate your efforts in trying to bring us the latest news about the bangkok protests. Will use your agoda link to book my hotel.
I am wondering if tenface hotel is ok? It seems to be near a protest site looking at your map, but I really like the hotel and am wondering if the area is safe, and any taxi access?
How about pullman king power near victory monument as it is near my tailor
Tenface seems far enough away and there is taxi and subway access. Victory Monument area no longer has a rally site and is safe.
Thanks for your help and response Richard, appreciate it
Hi Richard thanks for your last reply about safety in Asoke. All fine at the moment with us thanks to your help. I planned to go to the platinum fashion mall tomorrow but i think its near the bomb that went off today isnt it?
Platinum Fashion Mall is fine, but don’t enter the rally site that starts at Pratunam intersection. It’s marked in red on my map for a long time now.
Hi Richard! My pals and I planned to visit BKK from 2-5 March. We thought it should be okay but are now worried due to the bomb attack today. We will be staying at Hotel Intercontinental, close to Central World. Do you think that’s ok?
There is skybridge access to the hotel from the skytrain, but you are right in the middle of it all. Sure you want to stay there?
hi richard,
i’m going to bangkok from 2/3/14 to 5/3/14, staying at the berkeley hotel, and intending to hang around pratanum market and platinum mall. i understand that there has been blasts and bombings going on at the Big C just yesterday, so just want to know if it’ll still be safe to carry on with my trip? and also what is the safest way to get from the airport to the hotel?
Your hotel is safe and you have taxi access from the airport. You can shop in that area but don’t enter the rally site that starts at the Pratunam intersection.
My husband and I will be in bangkok March 15-17 before heading to Chianf Mai. We get in very late at night and are staying at the Hansar Hotel. 3 Rajdamri Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Is this in a safe area and will we be able to get there via taxi from airport? Thank you!!!
Hansar Hoptel is in a safe area with taxi access.
Hai Richard, plan to go to bangkok on Tuesday Feb 25th. Already booking a hotel at lub d siam square near BTS national stadium. I’ve check your rally map, and my hotel is on it. Is it safe to stay there? Or should i move to other hotel? I also worry about the access..
It is a nice hotel. I’ve stayed there. But it is very close to the rally site and access will be difficult.
Hi Richard,
My husband and I are staying at the AETAS Bangkok 81 Sio Ruamrudee 2, wireless road, lumpini, pathumwan from the 24th – 28th of February. Is this currently safe? Or any recommendations ?
Thanks You.
Yes, it is in a safe area.
Hi Richard,
I’ll be in Bangkok March 15th for my honeymoon at the hotel Muse Address: Langsuan Road,Lumpini, 55/555 ชอยหลังสวน Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, for a couple of days before going to Koh Samui
I was also planning to go to Ayutthaya taking the minivan from Victory Monument because I was told is the best way to go.
Is the hotel in that area safe?
What’s the safest way to reach the hotel? I was thinking the train but the train station would be at Ratchaprarop
Should I take a different option to go to Ayutthaya
Soi Lang Suan is safe and you do have taxi access so best to do that. You can catch a van from Victory Monument to Ayutthaya with no problem. Go there by skytrain.
Hi Richard, is Platinum Mall safe to go? Thinking of getting off from Ratchatewi stn
Platinum Mall is safe, but stay away from the rally site that starts at Pratunam intersection.
Thanks Richard! Just got back from Platinum Mall 🙂
Hi Richard, I have read your post that Pattaya is safe. Will the road to Pattaya bypass any potentially dangerous rally sites?
The road is clear to Pattaya.
Hi Mr. Richard thanks lot for your work . Highly appriciated .
Am traveling 9th of next month . Is it safe to work around to do shopping in pratunam nd china towe. .
I will be staying water gate . I heard redshirt Cuming out for
Protest which means more violence or …
Be safe..
Husse
Two nights ago there was a blast at the Pratunam intersection which is on the fringe of the rally site. Just stay away from the rally site and areas marked in red on my map.
so can we go shopping at pratunam without passing the rally site?
by BTS or taxi?
Hi Richard, my husband and I are on our honeymoon and have been completely oblivious to what is going on in Bangkok until we mentioned to some people on a trip to phi phi island yesterday that we head to Bangkok tomorrow. We have now looked at the news etc and are trying to make a decision whether to go or stay here in Phuket. We are staying at the mecure in Siam. Would you mind answering will it be safe to stay here and will we be able to do the normal everyday things people/tourists do in Bangkok or will we be stuck in our hotel the whole time. Thank you
I think you will have a better holiday in Phuket. Siam Square area is a rally site.
Hi Richard,
i know that siam square area is a rally site, but is it safe to go to mall at that area trough Skybridge from BTS Station?
How about pratunam market? what is the safest way to get there?
Hi richard,
Me and my husband travelling Bangkok tomorrow, is it safe to be there?
Yes if you avoid rally sites marked on my map.
Thanks a lot!
Hi Richard, many thanks for the regular updates which have been so helpful. Heading to Thailand 1st week of March, couple of quick questions –
1. Pattaya has so far been completely safe correct ? No need for any extra precautions there?
2. Staying at Rembrandt BKK which is at 22 Sukhumvit Soi 20 Klong Toei. That is far enough from the Asoke or any site not to worry right? As advised by you we want to stay well clear of rally sites and take the sky train as far as possible.
Many thanks; all the very best
Yes, Pattaya is safe for you to visit. Your hotel looks alright with taxi access.
Hi Richard,
Is it still safe to go with the latest grenade explosions, gunfire and news of farmers threatening to shut down the airport (this is the news we’re getting here in Singapore a few times a day and they have issued a safety warning for those planning on going). However our flights have been confirmed and can’t be changed. Our travel dates are 27th to 3rd March. There are 4 of us. What is the best area to stay that you would recommend which will be easy for us to get around and still enjoy Bangkok. Thank you!
We are here now and staying at The Grand Hyatt Erawan right next to a major site. The Protesters are not targeting tourists and we have felt safe the entire time. We took everyone’s advice to stay off the street and have been able to leave the hotel anytime we want via the skywalk entrance to the Skytrain.
Farmers already gone home without even going to the airport. Explosions are mainly in the rally site areas marked in red on my map.
Can taxi directly access to World Inn near NaNa BTS and is NaNa area safe?
Nana has taxi access.
Hi Richard,
We will be in Bangkok on March 5th and i have booked the Hotel Chateau de Bangkok at 29 Soi Ruamrudee 1, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini Patumwan, Pathumwa. Looking at your map it seemed to me away from protest and with access to airport. Is that location a good choice or would you recommend to stay even more far away from the protest zones? Thanks, Clara
Yes, looks alright and has taxi access.
Hi Richard
Can you comment on the safety of these hotels from the protest area? Also are they convenient to get to the local attractions, i.e. easy access to sky train?
1. FuramaXclusive Sathorn, Bangkok
59 Silom Soi 3 (Piphat 2), Silom Rd Bangkok, Bangkok 10500 Thailand
2. Best Western Plus At 20 Sukhumvit
17 Sukhumvit Soi 20 Klong Toey Bangkok, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
3. Aspen Suites Bangkok Nana Sukhumvit Hotel
65/1 Sukhumvit Soi 2 Sukhumvit Road Bangkok, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
4.FuramaXclusive Asoke, Bangkok
133/2 Sukhumvit 21, Sukhumvit Road Klongtoey Nua, Wattana Bangkok, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
many thanks, ken
Hi richard. I am also interested to know about furama xclusiv asoke as asked by ken..
Yes, but you have to walk through the rally site to reach the subway and skytrain. Otherwise exit by taxi to the north.
Hi Richard, just read about what happened in Trat. I though the trouble is mainly Bangkok….but as per the very clever Google maps, Trat is quite far from Bangkok? Am I overreacting in wondering if it’s still safe to go to Thai?
Hi we will be in Bangkok from 2 to 9 th of March with my one year old. We have a reservation at S 31 hotel in sukhumvit Soi 31. I am aware it is close to the protest site but just wanted to know how safe you think it is it to stay there? How bad is the traffic at the moment? How long would it take to get to the hotel from the airport because of the protest? Do taxis also move towards that direction ?
Thanks a lot
Soi 31 is fine and has normal taxi access.
Hey Richard!
Thank you so much for your hard work!
I will be heading to BKK on 1march and will be staying at Novotel Platinum hotel.
Is it safe there? And if I wanna go to Patpong night market for some massage session, will that be safe too?
Please let me know! Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
FEMMELODY
Novotel Platinum hotel is away from the rally sites/. If you want to go to Patpong, go by BTS and be careful as it is near the rally site.
Thanks a lot. I just heard they might shut the airport on the 1 st is it true
Hi Richard,
I will be in BKK from 1 – 4th of March with my friends. We have a reservation at Buddaco hotel in 122/44 Rajchaprarop Road, Khweng Thanon-Phayathai, Khet Rajchathewi. How safe you think it is it to stay there? How long would it take to get to the hotel from Don Muang airport? Will be able to get there via taxi or bts from airport?
Thank you Richard
Yes, it is ion a safe area and it has easy taxi access.
Okay noted.. Thank you Richard
Thanks for the work Richard. I will be heading for Nana from the airport tomorrow for dinner and a glass of wine but will stay well away from Asike.
Hi Richard, are hotels near Chinatown safe?
Yes, Chinatown is safe from the protests at the moment.