In less than a week I’ll be on a plane to Bangkok. BANGKOK. Where currently Thai military are clashing with anti-government protesters who are calling for the resignation of prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
I’m fairly confident that the violence will be settled in a week’s time. And given the fact that Bangkok is a big city, it’s unlikely that I, or anyone in my tour group headed to Bhutan, will even see any of the uprisings.
But, that still raises the question of just how dangerous a place is when there’s a State of Emergency in effect and what one might do if they find themselves in the middle of such a situation or getting ready to head straight into it.
First, it’s my humble opinion that an area is rarely as dangerous as the media makes it out to be. Not that they are intentionally blowing a situation out of proportion… it’s just that when we view snippets of information that includes dramatic photos and stories (meant to sell said media), it’s hard not to think that the situation is larger than it is because the quieter side of life is never depicted.
Having said that, here’s a bit of advice that, while I think it may be a little over-the-top cautious-wise, certainly couldn’t hurt to follow.
1. Monitor the situation. Though it’s an extremely remote possibility, my greatest concern would be if the airport were to be shut down as was the case in the fall of ’08 in Bangkok. Thailand can NOT afford another shutdown of its airport and I therefore think it’s incredibly unlikely. But, I would want to be prepared for it and the best way to do that is to keep an eye on coverage such as that from the New York Times or read travel forums where people who are actually at your destination are sure to be checking in with updates on the situation. My favorite forum is Lonely Planet’s Thorntree.
2. Provide your family and friend’s with your flight itinerary. If so some reason your flight gets delayed or re-routed, your loved ones will be able to track your travels.
3. Provide your family and friends with your hotel and tour information so they know approximately where you will be when.
4. Provide your embassy or consulate with details about your travels if you’re in an area that’s known for terrorist acts against tourists or the region is prone to random bombings.
5. Once you’re on the ground, continue to monitor the situation and respect the local laws with regards to curfews and assembly (currently, Bangkok is not allowing more than 5 people to gather at a time).
6. The locals will appreciate you. The tourism industry is sure to take a huge hit while in the midst of a crisis, be it man-made or caused by mother nature. Take the opportunity to get the local’s take on the situation and support them in whatever way you can. (Be mindful that in some countries the locals cannot or will not talk about politics for fear of their lives.)
I was in Bangkok in the early 90’s when there were mass demonstrations. As a young (invincible) backpacker, I was interested in witnessing the activities first hand. While reports came out of the city that thousands had died (a figure the government denied), even seeking out the protests, I saw very little activity. The city is big and the demonstrations are generally confined to one area (in the current case, protesters have targeted their violence at the prime minister’s office). This is usually the case with most areas of upheaval.
And, just to show the quieter side of Bangkok, here’s one of my favorite pics from my trip there last year.
Travel Well,
Beth
Photo – Bangkok protests in 2007: zoonabar
Related Links:
Back in Bangkok After Two Decades
Photo of the Day: Bangkok Flowers
Photo of the Day: Bangkok Food Vendor
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Camels & Chocolate says
Ugh, I, too, can’t stand how the media scares so many people to go to these places! I mean, even Lonely Planet does it–my boyfriend and I were in Guatemala in October, and the LP guide we had with us used the word rape FOUR times in one chapter and had us paranoid to go to the Highlands. In the end, there was NOTHING to worry about, and I swore off ever using another LP guide on my travels! Have an amazing trip!
marina villatoro says
the media has such a way of exaggerating everything!even though i know there is a lot of truth to it all. I’ll tell you a story, many years ago we had an Israel trip planned. it was with my family for my brother’s bar mitzvah, so it was a planned tour. one month before going, Jerusalem was bombed, you know the story. anyhow, we didn’t back out. and even though the reports were crazy scary, we decided to take a chance. we arrived, and since it was an organized tour, we ended up with a private tour. it was sooooooooooo safe, soooooooooooooooooo amazing, and one of the best family trips we ever had!!!!!!!!!
you just have to take the chance and enjoy!!!!
The Travel Expert(a) and an Expat with a Twist
Lifecruiser Travel Blog says
This actually goes for all travel, whether or not there are a known situation already. Things can always show up unexpected on your door step. We always should be prepared and ready to deal with different situations.
Alex Berger says
I always figure that if I get to know the locals, keep my head about myself and don’t do anything overly stupid i’ll be a-ok. Sure, bad luck will find you from time to time, but for the most part it’s less about bad luck and more about the actions you took that put you in that position.
Enjoy the trip! It should be a blast!
Jack - eyeflare travel says
I hope things calm down a little before you arrive in Thailand, I know I prefer my cozy London flat right now compared to the Bangkok streets.
Solo Road Trip says
Pertinent and timely advice. When traveling to China’s far west we ran into protests and a few other issues associated with the rioting in Tibet. Awareness, like you stressed, is absolutely the key. Get more than the media’s spin for certain. — Tammie
jessiev says
it is so important to know where you’re going, and be aware of cultural undercurrents. and yes, keep with the locals and keep out of trouble. thanks for this interesting article!
Quinnette says
SAWADEE KAAAA!
Beth, I totally wish I was going with you. When I went to Thailand in 06, it was amidst a coup. I was traveling from Cambodia and I kept getting messages from back home saying “Whew good thing you are not going to Thailand!” They of course thought I was nuts when I told them I had every intention. Of course the state department warned us but then again there was still warning for Bali! I was with Intrepid tours at the time and if they were going, so was I. Turned out, I saw absolutely no kind of evidence of anything, no protests, nothing.
BTW, I LOVE, LOVE that picture of Ronald!
Stuart says
Great story I’d also add Twitter as a means of monitoring the situation — there was a lot being twittered during the latest dramas in Bangkok.