UPDATE Military Imposes Nationwide Curfew in Thailand from 10pm to 5am: Tourism Expected to be Badly Hit
By Chutima Sidasathian and Alan Morison in Bangkok Thursday, May 22, 2014
PEOPLE can travel as anticipated to Thailand's airports, a spokesperson for Airports of Thailand said tonight. ''We understand there are no restrictions on people travelling by aircraft,'' the spokesperson said.
RETAIL outlets, including convenience stores, closed at 10pm.
THOUSANDS of supporters of the People's Democratic Reform Committee are due to leave Bangkok tonight after their leaders agreed to call off their protests and to disperse, Thai PBS reported. Earlier, Red Shirt followers rallying at Aksa and Utthayan road had been dispersed and bused home by the military.
BANGKOK: A nationwide curfew is to come into operation from 10pm to 5am from tonight, the military authorities announced about 90 minutes after taking over Thailand in a coup today.
The curfew will apply until further notice, deputy army spokesman Winthai Suwaree announced on national television on Thursday evening.
The curfew will affect tens of thousands of tourists in resort areas like Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya.
It is also expected to create chaos for travellers arriving and leaving Thailand and will affect dozens of flights, because passengers are prohibited from travelling after 10pm.
''We are telling passengers that services are continuing as usual,'' Sita Divari, chairman of Airports of Thailand, told the Bangkok Post. ''No one has issued any order to ban anyone from entering or exiting AOT's airports.''
The curfew is likely to end hopes that tourism to Thailand could escape serious damage from the conversion of Tuesday's announcement of military law into a coup today.
The swift action by the Army indicates the process has been carefully planned, with security as the prime concern.
A BBC journalist reported: ''Most people are expecting the Red shirts to rally now and are extremely concerned about the possibility of confrontation.''
The consequences of the coup, though, have yet to become known.
There was widespread uncertainty at the prospect of a nationwide lockdown in the 10pm-5am curfew, announced in Bangkok soon after 6pm.
The travel insurance policies of thousands of Australians in Thailand may be voided now that political unrest has turned into an army coup, with at least one leading insurer refusing to cover those planning to visit the country, reported the Sydney Morning Herald.
A senior airport official at Phuket International Airport said that the airport was already shut between 1am and 7am because repairs were being carried out to the sole runway.
However, residents and tourists across Thailand were awaiting further information from the generals now running the country with absolute control.
An army spokesman said people should remain calm and continue to go about their normal activities.
''We will provide security for foreigners,'' he said.
With Thai television and radio stations taken off the air, many Thais will not know about the curfew, although the internet and social media sites like Twitter are still operating.
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Comments
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Does this mean all bars across Phuket will have to close at 10pm? And will the 24-hour 7-11s and Family Marts also have to close at 10pm? This could spell the end of tourism as we know it in Phuket. And what will happen to anyone (especially farangs) who are caught out after 10pm?
Posted by
Phil
on
May 22, 2014 19:18
Editor Comment:
Business as usual, I suspect. But there's no way of knowing. The only real threats to security at this stage are likely to be in the Bangkok region. However, it's a nationwide curfew. So presumably, best to have a quiet night tonight . . . then see if it still applies tomorrow night.
Thought the 21st century would bring peace and stability. Way to go or is it never possible?
Posted by
jim
on
May 22, 2014 21:02
I find it weird how there is always a foreigner, Phil in this case, come out and worry about bars and their closing time. So you can't drink in your precious bar after 10 tonight or even for a few days. Is that really gonna kill you? The country is going through a dramatic coup and the Singha tank top farangs immmediatly worry about bar opening times? it's both hilarious and sad.
Posted by
christian
on
May 22, 2014 21:03
Hi!
im so panicked im off to thailand in 13 days!! does this mean that us tourists cant leave the hotel after 10pm and cant go to the full moon party ect and have to be off the streets? am going to bangkok, koh samui and koh phangan please help!
Posted by
Megan Ainsworth-Amond
on
May 22, 2014 21:15
Editor Comment:
Wait 24 hours and you may find normal is the new black, Megan.
I have a quiet night every night in Phuket. To bed by ten and up at six with a million barking dogs and motorcycles.. to bicycle before the searing heat hits. Bangla Road is in the rear view mirror, and so are touts, short timers, 4 am tuk tuk rides back to Ban Borae, and ugly hangovers. "Better late than never" Livy, 5th century B.C.
Posted by
farang #888
on
May 22, 2014 21:26
Landed this morning in Bangkok for our honeymoon. No announcements when all this was declared. An English teacher happened to hear us talking in English and came to warn us. Traffic is chaos and everything is closing at 9pm, See what happens next...
Posted by
Sam
on
May 22, 2014 21:39
Editor Comment:
My advice would be to find something to do for the next 24 hours, Sam. Enjoy yourselves.
Chilling in Rawai now. Interesting to see what actually closes, and doesn't, but I'm in bed before 10 anyway each night ;)
Posted by
RB
on
May 22, 2014 21:57
Editor Comment:
So are all the convenience store staff, RB. Closed at 10pm.
OMG Christian, you take one part of Phil's comment and use that to criticise, in case you missed it there was more to his comment than your perceived interest in beer alone. Geez, grow up. What Phil said was in fact correct this will have an impact on tourism.
Posted by
Laurie Howells
on
May 22, 2014 22:28
I live in Thailand, but i'm out of the country for business in Vietnam. My flight to bangkok arrive at 10.15pm. my car is a suvanabhumi car park. can I go back home, as usual during a coup d;etat in Thailand, by showing my passport and flight ticket at the checkpoints ?
Posted by
stephane
on
May 22, 2014 22:34
Editor Comment:
Shouldn't be any problem, Stephane. Let us know how you go.
i live in phuket and all 7/11,family mart, bars, kfc, mcdonalds are closed as of ten oclock. everything is shut. ive been told being caught outside after ten can land you 2 years in jail??
Posted by
john
on
May 22, 2014 22:34
Editor Comment:
If your pockets are filled with drugs, john, sure. But otherwise, Phuket Prison is kinda crowded without you.
In phuket now. Everything is closed
Posted by
Alica
on
May 22, 2014 22:41
Editor Comment:
It's an early night for you then, Alica.
So, the update was that you can travel by aircraft at night. I'm supposed to be taking an overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on Monday. Will this likely not be possible? I'd hate to lose a whole day travelling up there.
Posted by
Katie
on
May 22, 2014 22:56
Editor Comment:
By Monday, it's doubtful that the coup will still be on. But best check.
It's 2200 hrs and am sitting in my hotel room in Boyz Town, Pattaya, normally a street with loud thumping music until 2am. It's now dark and quiet, almost Ghost town like. Strange feeling.
Posted by
Donald Graybiel
on
May 22, 2014 22:56
How long is this going to last for, I just booked my hoilday to Phuket, with 4 other lads for our lads hoilday?
Posted by
andy white
on
May 22, 2014 23:02
Editor Comment:
The odds would be on everything being back to almost normal by Monday.
How long is this going to last for, I just booked my hoilday to Phuket, with 4 other lads for our lads hoilday?
Posted by
andy white
on
May 22, 2014 23:02
Editor Comment:
We can't say for sure, andy, but probably, if you're not here at the weekend, everything should be ok.
Christian, how ridiculous of you to have a go at Phil, a tourist, who is only asking if the bars are closed for his holiday....as a bar owner here for 5 years now, i and many other bar owners are becoming more and more frustrated with the closing of bars for any election, snap curfew and political upheaval....without farang bar owners in Phuket and other tourist places in Thailand, the economy would surely suffer....buy a business here and then make a fence sitting comment Christian....
Posted by
Bar owner
on
May 22, 2014 23:48
I'm planning on going travelling around Thailand in the beginning of July. Planning on meeting a few friends in Bangkok koh sumui Phuket. Do you think it he curfew will be lifted by then? And how safe will it for tourists around that time? Should I consider other holiday destinations?
Posted by
Pav Singh
on
May 23, 2014 00:26
Editor Comment:
We think the curfew will be over quickly. There is no reason for concern, Thailand has had many bloodless coups. Other destinations? Not many are as interesting.
Booking cancellations now coming in... a lot. Guests complaining about Soi Bangla closed. If this is going to stay for more than few days, the low-season will be re-defined.
Posted by
Jakub P.
on
May 23, 2014 00:36
Editor Comment:
Our hunch is that ''normal'' will be back within dsys. But we are not generals.
I'm planning on going travelling around Thailand in the beginning of July. Planning on meeting a few friends in Bangkoki Phuket and full moon islands. Do you think it he curfew will be lifted by then? And how safe will it for tourists around that time? Should I consider other holiday destinations?
Posted by
Pav Singh
on
May 23, 2014 00:39
Editor Comment:
If the curfew lasts more than a day or two, we would be surprised. It's safe for tourists now, if you like travel beyond Bangkok . . . and day trips.
sir i booked my ticket for Bangkok 3 month back for 25may to 2 june and was quiet excited, but now i had some bad feeling regarding current situation,can you please tell me its safe or we should cancel our visit? thak u
Posted by
anurag
on
May 23, 2014 01:59
Editor Comment:
There is even more cause for excitement now, anurag. Safety is not an issue but we can't say for sure whether there will be nightlife for a few days. Normal conditions should be restored quickly.
hi i just wanted to know holing this curfew will go on??? i have booked my flights and hotels in phuket from sunday onwards for a week???
is it safe kind a situation for turits???
Posted by
shiraz
on
May 23, 2014 02:17
Editor Comment:
It's safe but we can't say for sure how long the curfew will last. It's probably only going to apply for a day or two or three at the most.
Im heading back in 5 sleeps for another Visit, I am luckily over nightclubs, bars and Bangla road, so im in bed by 10 anyway, and at least safe from those bloody 1am fireworks that everyone despises. If you think smart you should always keep your bar fridge stocked so if you want a late night drink you can do it on your verandah and enjoy phuket as it was 10+ years ago...Quiet
Posted by
Gregg P Cornell
on
May 23, 2014 02:26
AW, might be hard for you and the lads to get a beer after 10pm but may be possible to get a few shots!
Posted by
Manowar
on
May 23, 2014 03:12
How long do curfews typically last? I'm travelling to Thailand in 2 weeks (June 5th) And with a curfew that will not be possible. Blah!
Posted by
Maria
on
May 23, 2014 03:31
Editor Comment:
We've checked the coup rule book and there is blank page after blank page, Maria. Typically, curfews in Thailand are extremely short. Coups can last a little longer. Our guess is that in two weeks, everything should be fine.
Hi,
I've booked my honeymoon to Bangkok for June 14th for 3 nights then down to Koh Samui for 8. How likely will it be that my holiday will be affected by then?
Thank you.
Posted by
NW
on
May 23, 2014 04:37
Editor Comment:
Highly unlikely to be any problems by June 14, NW. Enjoy yourself.
Ed, thank you for your voice of reason. Understand people are nervous but Thailand has had this before, and maybe again. We hope this can find a final solution but have great faith in the Thai people. We are back in Phuket in August and will certainly not be changing tickets. Hope life is back to "normal" in Phuket soon. A couple of early nights won't hurt anyone.
Posted by
Davemc60
on
May 23, 2014 05:19
I have bookings in Thailand. From 23 may to 30 may in different places like phuket pattAya etc. I am from India. Kindly suggest should I leave for thailand or not
Posted by
ravi
on
May 23, 2014 06:11
Editor Comment:
ravi, there is no reason why you won't be welcome in Thailand.
To Farang Bar owner. I am sorry you are sad about the closing times and you make this about you. Thailand is in the middile of a crisies and you are worried about your income. Wow. You might need to go learn more about the country you are liviing and working. Note: Thailand does not need Farang Bar owners to keep the tourism economy going. You have made the classic mistake thinking Thai people need Farang to show them how to make money. Wake up, we are guests here be thankful you can stay here in this beautiful country. If it is too much, the planes leave everyday please be on one. Tomorrow another Farang with the idea to open a bar to show Thai's how to do it will be getting off the next plane.
Posted by
jiminkata
on
May 23, 2014 07:00
My travel partner and I are arriving in Bangkok from Cambodia on May 24th (Saturday) and taking a night train south a couple of hours later. Has the curfew just cancelled our plans? I'm nervous about staying in Bangkok.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
May 23, 2014 07:54
Editor Comment:
Bangkok is basically functioning normally and it's difficult to imagine the curfew interfering too much. The Army will have specific targets that don't include tourists or travellers.
I am booked to go to Fantasea tonight (23 May). As the show is starting at 9:30, does this mean it will be cancelled?
Posted by
Jenny
on
May 23, 2014 08:40
Editor Comment:
No. But check with FantaSea or your booking agent.
Hi,
My hubby,parents and daughters due to fly out tomorrow to Phuket ( staying in Patong) I'm so confused as to what to do.
Should we postpone ? Or go? I'm so unsure
Posted by
Shelley
on
May 23, 2014 09:22
Editor Comment:
Go. If you are going to Phuket, there shouldn't be any problems.
Hi
Going thailand 5th June with a group of lads for two weeks. Will it be safe to go? And will the curfew be lifted by then? Should we avoid thailand and look for other destinations?
Posted by
Anonymous
on
May 23, 2014 11:31
Editor Comment:
There no suggestion Thailand is unsafe for tourists and the indications are that the curfew and the coup will end as fast as possible.
we planned our holidays to bankok nd pattaya from 24-26 june with my husband nd my children bt after hearing about this we decided to cancel our holidays.should we cancel or the curfew will settle down before 22june??
Posted by
rashmi
on
May 23, 2014 12:48
Editor Comment:
Should settle, but no guarantee.
Hi I am Manu arora I am travelling only to hua hin on 29th may 2014. Will there be a problem of curfew over there also
Will my trip be affected due to curfew pls advise
Posted by
manu
on
May 23, 2014 14:06
Editor Comment:
Probably not. Should be over by then.
Laurie Howells
I have very little interest in beer, hence my comment about beer loving farangs always moaning as soon there is something affecting the opening bar opening times. Be it because of a religious holiday, an election or in this case, a world news event like a military coup.
And do you really agree with the statement from phil stating that "that this is the end of tourism as we know it"? Oh yeah? Must be the most exaggerated comment ever.
The tourism as he might know it, but there are plenty of tourists that won't crawl up in the fetus position and die because they can't go to a bar after 22.00 for a few days
Posted by
christian
on
May 23, 2014 14:15
Editor Comment:
More of them are likely to be spreadeagled in the crucifix position, christian.
Christian, once again you focus on beer, I don't think anyone cares whether it's beer, wine, water or acid, the point is you focused on "beer" when clearly Phil was not really concerned about "beer" but, as I took it, was more focused on what this curfew could do to tourism. Certainly if I was, much younger, and planning a holiday, I would be concerned about a 10pm curfew, possibly changing my destination, as I would suspect many others, especially those with kids, would do. You really need to get off this "beer" thing.... it's really irrelevant to the wider picture.
Posted by
Laurie Howells
on
May 23, 2014 14:55
Editor Comment:
You mean, irrelevant, like this comment?
I am flying into Phuket on 3rd June. If curfew is still on will i be able to get a taxi to my hotel after 10pm from the airport?
Posted by
Karen
on
May 23, 2014 15:06
Editor Comment:
Certainly. Provision will be made for every arriving flight.
Laurie
By the way, nowhere in my first comment did I mention drinking beer. I said "Singha tank top" refering to apparel. It's you and your imagination that came up with this focus on beer, I simply reffered to "bars".
Posted by
christian
on
May 23, 2014 15:26
I would not travel to Phuket to sleep at 10 pm. If things do not return to normal before my flight next tuesday,I will cancel my trip to Phuket. I think to go to Bali
Posted by
murat
on
May 23, 2014 15:29
Christian, beer, wine, spirits, coke zero or water, it doesn't matter, it is the context of what you say that matters and on that your are WRONG.
Posted by
Laurie Howells
on
May 23, 2014 16:00
Hi I'm of to Bangkok tomorrow land Sunday morning staying with friend in Bangkok is safe to still go. If you could help me thank you
Posted by
Phillip
on
May 23, 2014 16:17
Editor Comment:
Sure, much safer now than it would have been without the soldiers.
We have planned a Thailand holiday starting June 4. Is Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao majorly effected as well? We were also skeptical about flights being cancelled last minute and stuff.Please advice
Posted by
Anonymous
on
May 23, 2014 16:20
Editor Comment:
Unlikely to be any problems . . . tourists are coming and going as normal.
Ok you say it's safe and everything should be back to normal soon, it's not the military we are worried about, what about the retaliation from extremists and the red shirts
Posted by
Tanya
on
May 23, 2014 17:33
Editor Comment:
Much less chance of violence now, with the Army in control. But the whole country is not about to suddenly explode.
We arrived from australia into Phuket on the 19th of may our stay is suppose to be until the 3rd of june we have no tv at all at our resort and can not leave our hotel between 10pm and 5am... Everything is operating as usual other then that we are just being cautious as where we are travelling and were told to not attend big events or fullmoon partys because westerners are being targeted.
Posted by
Rachael
on
May 23, 2014 17:42
Editor Comment:
westerners being targetted for what? There hasn't been a tourist death connected with the political unrest, but there are too many connected to drugs, motorcycles and that kind of stuff.
I'm going to visit thailand on 25th morning and leaving on 1st June I'm going to stay 2 nights in pattaya and rest in bangkok is it ok to travel now..??
And pattaya is also closed after 2200..???
Posted by
Karran
on
May 23, 2014 18:00
Editor Comment:
The curfew shouldn't last long, probably only one or two more nights.
My friend and I (Australians) are currently in koh tao for a few weeks, but we are taking the night ferry (leaves after 10 pm) on Monday the 27th of May to Surut Thani. We are then off to KL for a few days. Will the curfew stop us from taking the night ferry to Surut Thani?? Is legitimate travel exempt from the curfew? Thanks
Posted by
Laura
on
May 23, 2014 20:22
Editor Comment:
I doubt it, but check with the ferry company if you get the chance. Legitimate night travel is not a problem.
The good thing: low season getting real cheap now. Thinking about hopping on a plane...
Posted by
Lena
on
May 23, 2014 20:37
I'm going to visit bangkok on Sunday morning is it safe in bangkok as we got the news of civil war in bangkok and curfew will not end
Posted by
Karan
on
May 23, 2014 22:01
Editor Comment:
There is no civil war and there's not likely to be one. The situation in Bangkok is perfectly safe, safer now with the soldiers on the streets than before. Come and stick a flower in a gun barrel! The curfew is not likely to last for long.
The coup IS a coup, in terms of saving the lives of some who would otherwise be out and about, pissed on the roadways. IGNORANCE is bliss, as many will never know their lives were spared by the curfew, keeping them in the hotel drinking, instead of getting on the motorbike at 4 am to drive home wasted..
Posted by
farang888
on
May 23, 2014 22:11
Hi we are going to Thailand on 29th of may it will be all settle till 29th otherwise we have to postpone or cancel it
Posted by
Rishabh dhomne
on
May 24, 2014 01:35
Editor Comment:
Thailand is a safe destination for tourists and everything is normal, except for a curfew that will probably end or be extended soon.
I think it is even worse that they blacked out all cable andsatellite TV..This is totally dictatorial...Curfew can live with, but to deny the entire country TV... Time to sell your property in Thailand and leave this country
Posted by
Anonymous
on
May 24, 2014 02:08
We are a group of 10 travelling from 26th to 2nd. 3nights phuket and 3nights krabi. All seems normal but is the nightlife affected since it's a 10-5 am curfew? All day activities on the beaches are working fine right?
Posted by
Ab
on
May 24, 2014 02:09
Editor Comment:
Everything is just the way it usually is, except for the curfew, and that may end soon.
Im going to Thailand on Tuesday for 5 weeks with my friends but Im considering cancelling it as I dont want to have to sit in every night. Does this mean the full moon parties will be cancelled because off the curfew? And will the curfew last longer than 1 week?
Posted by
Niamh
on
May 24, 2014 06:45
Editor Comment:
The next full moon is not until June 12 so we would hope the curfew is over before then. Certainly, lifting the coup in tourist destinations as soon as possible would be wise. But we can't say with certainty what might happen.
Hi There, our flight is booked to arrive in Phuket at 9.40pm, so a little worried about our the villa staff picking us up as we are travelling to Kata Beach. Not travelling to late June so hoping that curfew is over by then. Would appreciate your opinion!
Posted by
Nadine
on
May 24, 2014 09:12
Editor Comment:
Problems are unlikely, Nadine, but best check with your villa closer to the date.
Does anyone know how this will affect the trains. I have a 10pm train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai tomorrow night. Does anyone think that it will or wont run?
Posted by
Cory
on
May 24, 2014 09:35
Editor Comment:
Almost certain to be still running. No disruptions to timetables on long journeys.
Give it 1 week tops.
18 coups in 90 years,a fabric of Thai politics.
Posted by
roland
on
May 24, 2014 12:13
We booked a tour in Phuket at mid June, but US State Department recommends that U.S. citizens reconsider any non-essential travel to Thailand. It seems this is a serious situation. Please advise.
Posted by
Ha
on
May 24, 2014 12:20
Editor Comment:
The US recommendation is a ''punishment'' for the imposition of the coup. But the situation would have been less safe if the coup hadn't taken place.
Some islands are not shutting down after 10. Any idea why? I'm ok with it, I'm here. But curiouse as to why?
Posted by
Beacon
on
May 24, 2014 15:42
Christian!! Just because you don't find going out drinking fun, it doesn't mean others shouldn't and should be made to feel like they should be spending their time doing something more wholesome or cultural. What is the problem? Each to there own. I had a fantastic time in Thailand doing all sorts of cultural activities and travelling around (sober of course ha) and also lots of drunken parties on the beach/jungle/various bars after 10pm. People are on holiday and of course that is going to be a concern! loosen up a bit ;)
And on a more serious note, late night shopping and drinking is a huge part of the tourism in Thailand, a curfew may not be 'the end' but it would have a massive impact.
Posted by
Corinne
on
May 24, 2014 20:11
I come here on two months tours and back to Australia for family and friend visits five weeks or so for four years now. Beautiful people..great food and attractions and respect all uniforms and the King. Visas and airfairs will be cheaper and ive booked my flights for my return on 20th July today. Viva la Thailand
Posted by
Franky
on
May 25, 2014 00:17
Hi there,
We are Australians not visiting Thailand until November (first time there) and hope this political problem is sorted out by then as my daughter has chosen your beautiful country to get married in with about 50 guests coming from Australia. It is an evening wedding about 30-45 mins drive from the hotel and a curfew would mean not staying for the whole event. That being said I hope that peace comes to Thailand swiftly and that everyone there Local and Tourists stay safe and well.
Posted by
Anne
on
May 25, 2014 00:30
Hi to all good folk with concerns. Dont worry. The rules of a cerfew must be followed.10pm to 5am easy to do! Leaders of Army are trained professions trying to prevent loss of lives and serious injuries! Early to bed early to rise makes one healthy and wise! Early start and a full day of activity you will be looking for your bed by 10pm! This is a country of wonderful people and great food. Simple rules i follow are1) Respect all uniforms2) Respect for the King and respect for the grass root people. They love us so i love them back! Tickets cheap today so ime home to Australia 1st July and back July 21. God bless the King and all the good people of Thailand.
Posted by
Micky
on
May 25, 2014 00:40
I will be travelling on 2nd of June. Will it still be on curfew? If it is, I'll rather not go :(
Posted by
San
on
May 25, 2014 12:13
Editor Comment:
The curfew is unlikely to last that long but we can't say with certainty. Mostly, life is perfectly normal, especially in Thailand's holiday destinations. The sun is shining. Birds are even still singing.
An update on the situation from an arriving airline passengers point of view. I flew into HKT after curfew on an international flight on Friday at 11:00pm. The scene at the airport was of the mob of foreigners familiar on news reports after most military takeovers the world over, but this mob of tourists was determined to get INTO the country.
The immigration arrivals hall resembled a Chinese train or bus station at Spring Festival, albeit without the rampant queue jumping. The few who attempted to cut in line were summarily called out by their countrymen and sent to the back, which was now out the door and up the stairs.
It took me 90 tedious minutes to clear immigration, and then another 20 when customs officials decided that a thorough search of my suitcase was in order, but no one else was being searched. After a long international flight this was all a bit much, and it should be noted that I did not see any special provision for those 'quality' tourists that the TAT is after. The first class passengers were in the same long lines as we steerage riders, but I'll save my rant on the inadequate arrival facilities at HKT for the appropriate forum. I should just be thankful that my waiting time was only half of what was being reported during the past high season.
My next concern was with our friends at the taxi consortium. I had read reports of Bangkok drivers turning off their meters and demanding exorbitant fees to travel after curfew, and I feared that a ride to Rawai was going to cost more than my international plane ticket. But I was pleasantly surprised to find metered taxis available, the staff and driver courteous, and the total fare of 850 baht very reasonable given my expectations.
With little traffic on the roads, the time to Rawai was about 40 minutes during which I saw one bored-looking group of soldiers riding in the back of a pickup truck. They were certainly non-threatening and were traveling slowly down the road and might be the only visible military presence on the island as no one else I have spoken to has seen any soldiers, except for perhaps this same group on Soi Bangla taking photos with tourists.
I could have done with a snack after the long trip, but all the shops were closed although a couple of roadside noodle stands seemed to be open. But at 5am things would be open again and the island would instantly return to normal.
Posted by
Treelover
on
May 25, 2014 12:52
Editor Comment:
Thanks, Treelover. We welcome this kind of useful first-person report.
I note a hint of desperation to appear "all's well...la te' da..." in the unusually brief and abundant editor comments. Are you now realizing, Kuhn Chutima, that you have gotten what you wished for...be careful.
Posted by
The Night Mare
on
May 25, 2014 13:18
Editor Comment:
What we all wish for, the Night Mare, is for readers who comment without intelligence to allow their brain cells to work efficiently. Your guesswork is always unhelpful and usually wrong. Let me tell you that there has only ever been one person responding to readers, and that's me. One editor. Try to move from your obsession with the unimportant to the state of the country and the world. Wise up, please.
We r a group of 4 persons travelling to bangkok 5 night 6 day's is it safe there is everything all right there. What will be the timing for us to see various places places shopping and roaming too
Posted by
jaywant patil
on
May 25, 2014 23:30
Editor Comment:
Daytime is good, as it always has been, for seeing all of Bangkok's tourist attractions, except the nightlife.
Do u no When will this curfew end
Posted by
Anonymous
on
May 25, 2014 23:50
Editor Comment:
No. But we hope it ends soon, because that would be a sign of improvement.
What's the situation in Thailand ????????
Posted by
Rishabh
on
May 26, 2014 01:25
Editor Comment:
It's open for tourism, as always, but everybody goes to bed a little earlier for their good health.
I see conflicting information regarding overnight trains, so two questions:
1. Were they running for last two nights? For example the Northen route, Bankok to Chiang Mai, the overnight train departing at 19:35. Is it still there?
2. If the answer is "yes", then what about the stations, where train departs during curfew?
Posted by
Vytautas
on
May 26, 2014 02:07
Any trouble for tourists in Bangkok.what will be the curfew situation .can we visit various places during day time?
Posted by
jaywant patil
on
May 26, 2014 09:09
Editor Comment:
Sure. There are no restrictions, but best stay away from protetsts
Hi, first off thanks so much for all this first hand information. And a job well done. This has been really helpful. I am planning a trip to Bangkok-log samui- kho phangan (hopefully the half moon paty isnt affected by it) in midAugust.. And booking my ticket in a week. Still a good idea? Really hoping thailand gets back to being the coolest travel destination place it has always been. Thanks in advance
Posted by
Mahima
on
May 26, 2014 12:52
Editor Comment:
No problems likely but we can't make guarantees.
What about the overnight trains? Are they running?
Posted by
Fortaz
on
May 26, 2014 14:45
Editor Comment:
No trains to Phuket. A reader in Bangkok may have an answer.
Can you travel night bus from phuket to bangkok?
Posted by
Anonymous
on
May 26, 2014 16:37
Editor Comment:
All long distance bus schedules are normal.
I have had a trip planned for months to Thailand, we arrive June 5th and am now worried I should not stay in Thailand. Should we even stay? Is it getting worse or better?
Posted by
Emily
on
May 26, 2014 22:13
Editor Comment:
As a tourist there is little to be concerned about. The country is functioning as normal, especially in tourist destinations. The assumption everybody is making is that the situation is improving, although there is no knowing how much longer the curfew will last.
Hi everybody... difficult times !
We are tuesday the 27... what about night bus from big city to BKK ? They do not allow them ? What about train too ? Do you know anything ?
God bless us all,
n
Posted by
NKM
on
May 27, 2014 13:39
Editor Comment:
Late night transport should be running normally, NKM
Is the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai still running?
Posted by
Vytautas
on
May 27, 2014 14:51
Editor Comment:
No reason for it to stop.
Hi what's the situation be coz we r living 2marrow night 2bangkok fr how many days the curfew will be
Posted by
Ajay
on
May 27, 2014 18:48
Editor Comment:
No way of knowing but it will be a surprise if it extends beyond a week.
A quote from a PW report today
"inter-provincial passenger bus/train services will not be operating during curfew"
Perhaps the advice given to the last comments should be revised accordingly.
Posted by
ThaiMike
on
May 27, 2014 19:10
I read that the curfew has been amended to 12 midnight to 4am as of 28th. Is this so? Also, do you think it indicates things will be back to normal soon?
Posted by
Anonymous
on
May 28, 2014 01:58
Editor Comment:
That depends what you mean ''by back to normal.'' The curfew is likely to be lifted at some point completely
I'm leaving on the 30th of june for a 3 week trip to thailand with my girlfriend and her family who are originally from bangkok, do you think the curfew will have been lifted by then?
Posted by
megan
on
May 28, 2014 10:13
Editor Comment:
Probably. But midnight to 4am is manageable anyway for most people.
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Does this mean all bars across Phuket will have to close at 10pm? And will the 24-hour 7-11s and Family Marts also have to close at 10pm? This could spell the end of tourism as we know it in Phuket. And what will happen to anyone (especially farangs) who are caught out after 10pm?
Posted by Phil on May 22, 2014 19:18
Editor Comment:
Business as usual, I suspect. But there's no way of knowing. The only real threats to security at this stage are likely to be in the Bangkok region. However, it's a nationwide curfew. So presumably, best to have a quiet night tonight . . . then see if it still applies tomorrow night.