Wednesday, 4 June 2014

Curfew lifted in three Thai hot spots


In an effort to boost Thailand's tourism industry, hit hard by the ongoing political situation, the military junta has lifted the nation-wide curfew in three tourist hotspots -- Pattaya, Ko Samui and Phuket. (File photo)


In an effort to boost Thailand's tourism industry, hit hard by the ongoing political situation, the military junta has lifted the nation-wide curfew in three tourist hotspots -- Pattaya, Ko Samui and Phuket. (File photo)






  • Nation-wide curfew lifted in Pattaya, Ko Samui and Phuket

  • Tourists advised to follow news reports as sporadic anti-coup demonstrations have occurred

  • U.S. State Department advises against non-essential travel to Thailand




(CNN) -- It's been nearly two weeks since Thailand's military took over the country after months of political and social unrest that led to outbursts of violence in Bangkok.


But while the political situation is still in flux and no election date set, life in Thailand has resumed to something approaching normality.


On Tuesday, the military government announced it was lifting the nation-wide curfew in three tourist hot spots -- Pattaya, Ko Samui and Phuket -- reportedly in response to pressure from the country's ailing tourism industry.


All other Thai destinations, including Bangkok, Krabi and Chiang Mai, remain under a daily curfew from midnight-4 a.m.


However, air passengers with arrival and departure flights scheduled during the curfew are permitted to travel to and from the airports at any time, and are advised to carry a printout of their flight itinerary.


All airports in Thailand remain open and flights are still operating as scheduled.


Life in Bangkok





Thai protesters borrow from Hunger Games








Police officers in Bangkok, Thailand, secure an area inside the Australian Embassy on Wednesday, June 4. The Thai military carried out a coup on May 22 after months of unrest had destabilized the country's elected government and caused outbursts of deadly violence in Bangkok. But the sudden intervention has been criticized by human rights activists and foreign governments.Police officers in Bangkok, Thailand, secure an area inside the Australian Embassy on Wednesday, June 4. The Thai military carried out a coup on May 22 after months of unrest had destabilized the country's elected government and caused outbursts of deadly violence in Bangkok. But the sudden intervention has been criticized by human rights activists and foreign governments.



A protester shows a three-fingered salute borrowed from "The Hunger Games" during an anti-coup demonstration in front of the Australian Embassy in Bangkok on June 4. The gesture is being used as a real symbol of resistance in Thailand. Anti-coup protesters are flashing the symbol as a silent act of rebellion, and they are being threatened with arrest if they ignore warnings to stop. A protester shows a three-fingered salute borrowed from "The Hunger Games" during an anti-coup demonstration in front of the Australian Embassy in Bangkok on June 4. The gesture is being used as a real symbol of resistance in Thailand. Anti-coup protesters are flashing the symbol as a silent act of rebellion, and they are being threatened with arrest if they ignore warnings to stop.



Soldiers pull barbed wire from a canal near the Government House during a cleanup operation June 4 in Bangkok.Soldiers pull barbed wire from a canal near the Government House during a cleanup operation June 4 in Bangkok.



Thai police officers leave the Victory Monument after they finish guarding it Tuesday, June 3, in Bangkok. Thai police officers leave the Victory Monument after they finish guarding it Tuesday, June 3, in Bangkok.



Protesters flash the three-finger salute while shouting during an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok on Sunday, June 1.Protesters flash the three-finger salute while shouting during an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok on Sunday, June 1.



A protester holds up three fingers during an anti-coup demonstration at a Bangkok shopping mall on June 1.A protester holds up three fingers during an anti-coup demonstration at a Bangkok shopping mall on June 1.



Thai soldiers are deployed at a busy intersection in Bangkok on June 1.Thai soldiers are deployed at a busy intersection in Bangkok on June 1.



Onlookers at a Bangkok shopping mall watch as protesters shout "Freedom!" and "Democracy!" on June 1.Onlookers at a Bangkok shopping mall watch as protesters shout "Freedom!" and "Democracy!" on June 1.



Thai soldiers guard a bus stop area to prevent an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok on Thursday, May 29. Thai soldiers guard a bus stop area to prevent an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok on Thursday, May 29.



A man participates in an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok on Wednesday, May 28.A man participates in an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok on Wednesday, May 28.



A protester throws a garbage can at a line of Thai soldiers during an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok on May 28.A protester throws a garbage can at a line of Thai soldiers during an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok on May 28.



Military police stand guard during an anti-coup demonstration at the Victory Monument in Bangkok on Tuesday, May 27. Military police stand guard during an anti-coup demonstration at the Victory Monument in Bangkok on Tuesday, May 27.



Anti-coup demonstrators gather at the Victory Monument to protest the military coup as Thai soldiers stand guard in Bangkok on May 27. Anti-coup demonstrators gather at the Victory Monument to protest the military coup as Thai soldiers stand guard in Bangkok on May 27.



Thai soldiers arrest ousted Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand in Bangkok on May 27. Thai soldiers arrest ousted Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand in Bangkok on May 27.



Thai soldiers receive roses from coup supporters at a military base in Bangkok on May 27. Since taking power, military authorities have summoned -- and in some cases detained -- scores of political officials and other prominent figures.Thai soldiers receive roses from coup supporters at a military base in Bangkok on May 27. Since taking power, military authorities have summoned -- and in some cases detained -- scores of political officials and other prominent figures.



Two protesters stand in front riot police during an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok on Monday, May 26. Demonstrators have taken to the streets in opposition to the coup, while some Thais express hope the military will bring an end to the political crisis.Two protesters stand in front riot police during an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok on Monday, May 26. Demonstrators have taken to the streets in opposition to the coup, while some Thais express hope the military will bring an end to the political crisis.



An anti-coup protester faces riot police during a May 26 rally in Bangkok.An anti-coup protester faces riot police during a May 26 rally in Bangkok.



Thai police take a woman away from an anti-coup protest in Bangkok on May 26.Thai police take a woman away from an anti-coup protest in Bangkok on May 26.



A protester confronts soldiers in riot gear during an anti-coup rally Sunday, May 25, in Bangkok.A protester confronts soldiers in riot gear during an anti-coup rally Sunday, May 25, in Bangkok.



Thai soldiers are surrounded by anti-coup protesters on May 25 during a demonstration in Bangkok.Thai soldiers are surrounded by anti-coup protesters on May 25 during a demonstration in Bangkok.



A Thai soldier, citing safety reasons, apologies to pedestrians after he closes the fence to an overpass during an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok on May 25.A Thai soldier, citing safety reasons, apologies to pedestrians after he closes the fence to an overpass during an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok on May 25.



Thai soldiers stand behind their riot shields as protesters threaten them May 25 in Bangkok. Thai soldiers stand behind their riot shields as protesters threaten them May 25 in Bangkok.



Protesters chant slogans during an anti-coup rally May 25 in Bangkok.Protesters chant slogans during an anti-coup rally May 25 in Bangkok.



An anti-coup protester is detained by Thai police officers during a protest in Bangkok on Saturday, May 24. An anti-coup protester is detained by Thai police officers during a protest in Bangkok on Saturday, May 24.



Thai soldiers link arms as they monitor a protest outside a Bangkok shopping complex on May 24.Thai soldiers link arms as they monitor a protest outside a Bangkok shopping complex on May 24.



Thai soldiers patrol near a rally site for pro-government demonstrators on the outskirts of Bangkok on Thursday, May 22.Thai soldiers patrol near a rally site for pro-government demonstrators on the outskirts of Bangkok on Thursday, May 22.



Thai soldiers stand guard at a checkpoint outside of Bangkok on May 22.Thai soldiers stand guard at a checkpoint outside of Bangkok on May 22.



A Buddhist monk walks past a Thai soldier near a pro-government demonstration on the outskirts of Bangkok on Wednesday, May 21.A Buddhist monk walks past a Thai soldier near a pro-government demonstration on the outskirts of Bangkok on Wednesday, May 21.



Thai soldiers guard the Thai police headquarters in Bangkok on Tuesday, May 20.Thai soldiers guard the Thai police headquarters in Bangkok on Tuesday, May 20.



Thai soldiers stand guard outside the Government Public Relations Department in Bangkok on May 20.Thai soldiers stand guard outside the Government Public Relations Department in Bangkok on May 20.



Anti-government protesters listen to their national anthem during a gathering in Bangkok on May 20.Anti-government protesters listen to their national anthem during a gathering in Bangkok on May 20.



Office workers walk past armed soldiers outside the Shinawatra Tower Two office building in Bangkok on May 20.Office workers walk past armed soldiers outside the Shinawatra Tower Two office building in Bangkok on May 20.



A soldier grips his gun outside the Government Public Relations Department building on May 20.A soldier grips his gun outside the Government Public Relations Department building on May 20.



Soldiers hold their positions outside the Government Public Relations Department building on May 20.Soldiers hold their positions outside the Government Public Relations Department building on May 20.



A soldier stands guard outside the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order in Bangkok on May 20. A soldier stands guard outside the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order in Bangkok on May 20.



Military police officers walk outside the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand offices in Bangkok on May 20. King Bhumibol Adulyadej is pictured on the building.Military police officers walk outside the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand offices in Bangkok on May 20. King Bhumibol Adulyadej is pictured on the building.



Thai soldiers walk into the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand building on May 20. All Thai TV stations were being guarded by the military.Thai soldiers walk into the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand building on May 20. All Thai TV stations were being guarded by the military.



Soldiers sit in the lobby of the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand building on May 20.Soldiers sit in the lobby of the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand building on May 20.



Soldiers secure the Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok on May 20.Soldiers secure the Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok on May 20.



A group of soldiers gathers outside the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order on May 20.A group of soldiers gathers outside the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order on May 20.



Military police officers walk in front of the Thai TV 3 offices in Bangkok on May 20. In a statement read on Thai television, the military declared that all of the country's radio and television stations must suspend their normal programs "when it is needed."Military police officers walk in front of the Thai TV 3 offices in Bangkok on May 20. In a statement read on Thai television, the military declared that all of the country's radio and television stations must suspend their normal programs "when it is needed."



A soldier stands outside the Government Public Relations Department building on May 20.A soldier stands outside the Government Public Relations Department building on May 20.



An anti-government protester waves a Thai national flag during a march through streets of Bangkok on Monday, May 19. Martial law went into effect at 3 a.m. the next morning.An anti-government protester waves a Thai national flag during a march through streets of Bangkok on Monday, May 19. Martial law went into effect at 3 a.m. the next morning.




Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand

Military coup in Thailand






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Photos: Military coup in ThailandPhotos: Military coup in Thailand



In the Thai capital, streets are calm and most residents are carrying on as normal.


The military presence is minimal -- many locals report having not seen a single soldier since the May 22 coup -- though tourists are advised to follow news reports as sporadic demonstrations have taken place in Bangkok in opposition to the coup, which have brought out the military.


Since the coup announcement was made on May 22, protest groups on both sides have dismantled their camps and no major incidents of violence have taken place.


Tourist attractions, government offices, embassies, shops, bars, restaurants and malls are all open and operating as normal, though some have adjusted their hours in line with the curfew.


All Bangkok expressways currently remain open.


The city's BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link, public ferries and trains continue to operate, while taxis are available 24 hours a day at Bangkok's airports


MORE: Soldiers, selfies and a military coup: The unusual state of tourism in Thailand


Television and social media


In the initial days following the coup, all state-run, satellite and cable TV providers were ordered to carry only the signal of the army's television channel but all are now back on the air.


Facebook was temporarily shut down last week, leading to fears the junta was cracking down on social media, though the military later denied it had any part in it.


Twitter remains one of the best ways to get real-time information on the situation in Thailand.


Richard Barrow, a full-time travel blogger based in Bangkok, is a top source for those seeking news about the political situation as well as travel advice. He can be followed at http://ift.tt/KCruaZ.


Local English-language media on Twitter include the Bangkok Post: http://ift.tt/WQA0Tg; The Nation: http://ift.tt/LwQdbG; and MCOT: Twitter.com/MCOT_Eng.


Government warnings


Though from a tourist's point of view Thailand is returning to normal, travelers are advised to check with their governments before visiting as warnings vary and can impact the validity of their travel insurance.


According to the National News Bureau of Thailand, a total of 63 countries have issued travel advisories against Thailand, with 19 warning its citizens against visiting the country.


Among these is the United States, which issued a travel alert last updated on May 28 that recommends U.S. citizens reconsider their journey to Thailand, particularly Bangkok.


"The Department of State has advised official U.S. government travelers to defer all non-essential travel to Thailand until further notice."


Some countries have since downgraded their warnings in light of the relative calm on the country's streets since the coup, including Italy.


Though the UK doesn't advise against visiting, it did issue a warning to citizens about the political situation.


"It is illegal to criticize the coup and you should be wary of making political statements in public," says the advisory.


"Some anti-coup demonstrations are taking place in Bangkok and some other cities. These could become violent. You should exercise extreme caution and remain alert to the situation."


VIDEO: Thai protesters borrow from Hunger Games


Tourist hotlines


The Tourism Authority of Thailand issued a statement advising tourists seeking assistance to call the following hotlines.


TAT Call Centre: 1672


Tourist Police Call Centre: 1155


BTS Hotline: +66 (0) 2617 6000


MRT Customer Relations Center: +66 (0) 2624 5200


SRT (train service) Call Center: 1690


Transport Co., Ltd., (inter-provincial bus service) Call Center: 1490


AOT (Suvarnabhumi Airport) Call Centre: 1722


Suvarnabhumi Airport Operation Center: +66 (0) 2132 9950 or 2


Don Mueang Airport Call Center: +66 (0) 2535 3861, (0) 2535 3863


Thai Airways International Call Center: +66 (0) 2356 1111


Bangkok Airways Call Center: 1771


Nok Air Call Center: 1318


Thai AirAsia Call Center: +66 (0) 2515 9999



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