Bangkok Airport Update
The situation in Thailand has taken a turn for the worse: Yesterday, protesters stormed Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport, shutting down the international hub that opened in 2006. Airport officials canceled flights as a result of the protest by members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), who oppose Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and are loyal to the monarchy.
PAD has been battling the government for six months now, with the worst clashes happening on Oct. 7, when two protesters were killed and hundreds were injured in clashes between police and protesters. Before that, Thailand had enjoyed 16 years of relative calm, since a violent coup in 1992. (A 2006 coup that precipitated the current situation was bloodless.)
So, what does this mean for travelers?
I spoke to Benjamin Melenson, who is a Senior Watch Manager at iJET Intelligent Risk Systems, a company that advises corporations on travel and asset risks. Melenson said, "The biggest thing is that there's no reason not to go to Thailand at this point," although getting in and out of Bangkok is difficult right now. Flights are being diverted to Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, and Phuket in the south, both of which are long train rides away from Bangkok.
While the airport closing has already affected as many as 10,000 people, Melenson says, it's mostly an attempt by PAD to gain attention to its grievances. "This is their [PAD's] best chance to draw a government response," says Melenson. "There's no telling how long this will last."
Above all, Melenson says, "This is an internal political matter between the PAD government. None of this is aimed at foreigners."
We'll keep you posted on further developments.
By Christina Talcott |
November 26, 2008; 1:04 PM ET
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Airports
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Christina Talcott
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Posted by: fedssocr | November 29, 2008 3:14 AM
I would like to know what and when our government is going to do anything about getting our US citizens out of Thailand. My brother and a friend are stuck there, and we the family are all worried. They tell us that they have contacted the embassy and were told that the US will do nothing until this thing turns violent. Don't you think that will be a little late? I am begging that something be done now, as other countries are getting their people out.
Posted by: lany1 | December 1, 2008 1:10 AM
Actually it is possible to get out of Thailand but it is not cheap or easy. I am going by road to Phuket tomorrow and then flying from there to Singapore. Thursday I will fly home from Singapore. It is costing me about $250-300 for a private car transfer to Phuket. But if two are traveling together it should cost about $200 each. You can also take a bus which is cheaper but I think most buses are likely full at this point.
Flights from Phuket to Singapore on Silk Air are about $235 coach, one-way.
In my case United Airlines told me if I could get myself to Singapore or Hong Kong they would get me on flights from there. And that is what they have done. I am booked on United's flight from Singapore to DC via Tokyo.
There are an overwhelming number of people stranded here. It is going to take some resourcefulness (and resources) to get out at this point. The airports will be closed at least one week after the protesters finally leave for IT and security system checks and recertification.
I spoke to a British couple at my hotel today who are planning to fly from Hua Hin to Samui. Samui to Singapore. Singapore to Kuala Lampur. And finally KL to London.
Posted by: fedssocr | December 2, 2008 3:50 AM
The comments to this entry are closed.
"none of this is aimed at foreigners" is a bit of a joke. Of course this is aimed at foreigners! Who do you think it being held hostage by this mob of thugs?
Also, there are no trains to Phuket. It is an island. It does take a long time to get to either of those places. And all flights are booked through next week at those airports as people scramble to attempt an escape from this place where the rule of law apparently does not apply.