Bangkok lifts state of emergency

Bangkok has lifted the state of emergency, and the prime minister has resigned. For updates on the political situation in Thailand and elsewhere in Southeast Asia visit Jotman.com.

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Phuket airport open, Krabi airport status

Various travel safety advisories have been issued by Western and East Asian governments on account of the recent street violence. At my other blog, Jotman.com, I post updates about the political situation in Thailand. If you watch where you go, I do not think Thailand is especially unsafe for tourists. However, there may be significant inconveniences associated with strikes. Possibly there will be more attempts to block aspects of the country's transportation system -- trains, airports, roads, etc.

Updated: 10:11am Wednesday

Here is the Thailand airport update (Bangkok Post):

- Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia and Nok Air cancelled some flights out of Hat Yai where 500 protesters forced the airport to close again.

THAI cancelled two flights from Bangkok and Hat Yai due to the Hat Yai airport shutdown. The cancellations affected about 750 passengers, who were given refunds or allowed to change flights.

- International airlines operating through Suvarnabhumi Airport reported no cancellations or reductions, and normal passenger traffic flows. Security measures were upgraded. No sign of trouble was seen.

- Flight operations through Phuket and Krabi airports remained normal. Thai Airways flights were still operating according to schedules, no forced delays as threatened by TG union members.

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Is it safe to visit Thailand?

Jotman reader Cliff writes:

guys, i have a trip planned to thailand this weekend (sept 4th). we are backpackers (two of us)and arrive in bangkok for three weeks. we were planning on using the train to travel aroung the country. what are your thoughts on this? would you recomend still going, is it safe? can we get out of bangkok and travel around the country (trains not running, buses, etc..). it seems like you are located in thailand so was looking for your thoughts on this. thanks alot.
clif M.

Read this post before you make up your mind. Here is an excerpt from an article I quote in the post:

A coalition of 43 unions representing workers at state companies including water, electric, phone and the national airline said they would cut off services to the government starting Wednesday in support of the anti-government protests. They already were disrupting rail service and planned to cut back public bus transportation.

At this hour, I would strongly advise against visiting Thailand -- especially considering that you want to travel around.

Consider visiting Indonesia instead. You could take the train around Java, or hit the beaches of Bali and Lombok.

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State of Emergency declared in Bangkok

Prime Minister of Thailand has declared a State of Emergency following a night of violent clashes between mobs of protesters and police.

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