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.
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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.
I’m being overwhelmed at the moment with all of these questions. Many are from people who haven’t done any homework. Plus many more asking the same questions. I’ve just spent two hours answering questions and I still have many more to go. It takes time as I have to google many of these hotel names to find out where they are. I’m sorry, as I’m not getting paid to answer these questions all day long, I need to take a break. Plus my fingers are swelling up again from too much typing and I’m in pain.