It’s dejavu all over again! Seven years ago I turned on CNN and was informed that a coup was taking place in Bangkok, Thailand. This wouldn’t be strange except I was IN Bangkok and had no idea it was happening. While generally the idea of a coup brings images of balaclavas and political figures being lined up and shot, Thailand has a different approach, and over the years they’ve perfected the peaceful coup.

Here are the details:

• Curfew imposed from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. that applies to everyone until further notice. The curfew applies to all of Thailand and as of now they are enforce it in major centres. Airports are open as usual. There is a list of exceptions to the curfew like travellers en-route to destinations – people should keep their passports and flight tickets at hand for check points.
• people traveling to work, in need of medical attention, etc. are also exempt from curfew. It also states that “people who happen to have urgent or important errands during the curfew hours are advised to ask for permission from military officers near their homes.”
• Academics are against the move and arranging gatherings, as are people in Chiang Mai. The linked article has some good history and insight. Under Martial Law gathering of more than 5 people are not allowed.
• Shopping Malls and public transportation both closed early tonight. This may continue.
• They have dispersed both the government supporter (Red Shirts) and the anti-government (Yellow shirts, Royalists) camps in Bangkok. The Red shirts are regrouping outside the city.

While this all sounds rather dramatic, the truth is that as per usual in Bangkok, life goes on and in a lot of ways, things are looking up. The Yellow and Red shirts have been locked in a political battle for years so with the military stepping in those two sides are forced to take a much needed respite and hopefully think over their actions. It also means that the protest sites that have been messing with traffic for months are no more!

As with my earlier post, I don’t mean to sound blasé, I take my guests safety very seriously, but for now Thailand is still a safe place to travel.

Here is Nicole’s perspective, as she is currently based in Bangkok:

“Yes, the curfew has gone into place. I still see many cabs and such out but city is extremely quiet. They will not be able to enforce this completely as people do have to travel to and from work. Check points will be around the city, mostly in noted areas. We still have full internet and international broadcasting stations. Feeling amongst the people I came in contact with today were in support of this and thought it was a good idea. They are in really good spirits and going on like normal. They have not expressed any fear or worry. Even today the only people who were worried were ones contacting me from outside of the country because of the international media going crazy.

Of course this is definitely a serious issue and hopefully one that won’t erupt into more violence than there has been. I understand the impulse to worry or question traveling to Thailand but all I can say is that so far from what I see, things are relatively normal in the main areas, military and police are stationed, but are just present and nothing is happening. People stop to take selfies with them!” Nicole Long from Bangkok, Thailand.

So I respect that there will be worries about going to Thailand in the coming months, but I can honestly say that this wouldn’t deter me at all and I would happily head back to Bangkok with my kids and enjoy the adventure. Actually, that sounds pretty good…

-Andrea… Read more »