Friday, November 29, 2013

Big Protests in Bangkok - Areas to avoid -
How you can travel

November 29:
Many Countries now warn their citizens to avoid some areas in Bangkok, where big anti government protests are held. Among these Countries are Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Norway and United Kingdom according to Thai PBS. The protests are held in the government area around Democracy Monument. Some important tourist attractions as The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Phra Athit and Kao San Road have so far not been affected. A Google Map by Richard Barrow shows the protest areas.

Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport have so far not been affected by the protest and are operating normally. Due to the closure of important roads it might be difficult to reach some areas of Bangkok. There could also be a taxi shortage. Suvarnabhumi Airport advised travellers to be there three hours before departure. It's advisable to use the Airport Rail Link to reach Bangkoks city center. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho are easily to be reached by Skytrain and Chao Phraya Express Boats (change from Skytrain Saphan Taksin station, walk to Central Pier Sathorn). Like this you avoid traffic jams.

Fore more informations about the protests follow Bangkok Post and The Nation. Tourism Authority of Thailand publishes daily updates with maps, where the demonstrations are taking place.


Monday, November 4, 2013

Ferry between Koh Larn and Pattaya sinks
- Seven People die, Thais and Foreigners

4.11.2013:
After the sinking of the ferry between Koh Larn and Pattaya new questions abourt safety standards in Thailands public transport have been raised, as AFP reports. Police said that apart from the dead, all of the 150-200 others on the boat - including many Russians -- were believed to have been rescued. Nineteen people were injured. But nobody knew how many people were on board. "There's no head count", said a European working in the marine tourism industry in Pattaya. He added: "The boats are very old. There's no maintenance."
On Monday divers are going to recover the boat. On Pattaya's main pier the usual business was taking place on Monday. Double-decker wooden ferries were preparing to take tourists for cruises.


3.11.2013:
Seven die as Pattaya ferry capsizes, reports Bangkok Post. The tourist double-decker ferry from Koh Larn to Pattaya capsized about 100 metres off the main Bali Hai pier in Pattaya Sunday evening. More than 100 passengers were injured, about 10 seriously, including a nine-year-old Thai boy. Read more.