Departed this morning by bus 166 from Central Plaza (Chaeng Watthana road) to Victory Monument. The bus was a bit more crowded than the past few days. The bus does not go all the way to the end, so we had to walk for about 5 minutes.
Victory Monument was still very quiet at 10am. Walked to the BTS and get off at Ratchathewi, took the boat to Phan Fa. There is also a protest tent here. It looks a bit like a campsite, the tents are neatly set up. In terms of crowds, an extinct image. Here we took a motorbike to Chinese Market. The speed at which we could drive through the streets was unprecedented. No extreme prices either.
There were no demonstrations at all in the area of the Chinese market. Just arranged things that needed to be done. Requested a tuk tuk from here to take me to Ratchathewi. He asked for 150 baht. Too expensive (I remain a Dutchman). I make this ride more often and usually pay between 60 and 80 baht. So just caught a taxi. Didn't want to do it. The next taxi was no problem. I didn't even have to ask about turning the meter on.
Driving style very neat, costs 55 bath. In Ratchathewi took the BTS to Phra Khanom. The crowds were a bit more than the past few days, but not yet as normal. A luxury because you can now just sit. On Phra Khanom there is a very good eatery where I often go for lunch. Then walked on to On Nut. Here the BTS taken back.
And since I have to do something about my condition every now and then, I opted for Nana. The calm on the street was extreme. I went on to Siam. Accessibility of the Dutch embassy is simply possible. Not the crowds I expected.
Found a food stall at Siam Paragon (there are many on the road). Pulled up here at a table and the conversations just come. First a Thai flight attendant who had flown back and had received many questions on the plane. Then two ladies from Bangkok. Asked what I thought of it. They were curious about an opinion. To be honest, I'm not going to say it and that it's for the Thai. Found them very good.
Where did I stay? Pak Kret/Nonthaburi. They said that they should not go there with all the bells and whistles (whistles, etc.), as it is a red shirt stronghold. So they also said that people were at work during the day and went to the various protest locations in the evening. They were hung with whistles, headgear, etc. The handclappers were in the backpack.
After talking for half an hour I left. The market stalls are spread over the street. Lots of 'souvenirs'. But also things that have absolutely nothing to do with the protests. Commerce is booming. Arriving (yes, walking) at Victory Monument it was busier here than in the morning. The igloo tents are also neatly arranged here. A Dutch campsite could be jealous of it.
Despite everything, accessibility is not a problem. Here we took the minibus to Pak Kret and the day is over. Did everything that was planned. I made it through the city without any significant obstacles. The only thing that stood out is that the tuk tuk drivers ask extreme prices for short trips. For example, a couple without batting an eyelid asked 300 baht for a short ride with the excuse: it is busy….
Henk Jansen published on January 15: Diary of Henk Jansen (4): A day in Bangkok from Pak Kret.
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hi henk, question and it will probably run smoothly, I've been to Thailand before.
arrive very early at the airport on January 27, it will not be a problem, I take the skytrain to Phaya Thai.
And then a taxi to 21 Soi Chanasongkram Phra-A-Thit Road.
eg Andre
Hello Andre,
Not a problem to date.
Another option is the BTS to the central pier/Taksin. Here the boat to Pier Phra A Thit.
This is a very simple option
I am also a resident of Pakkred, more specifically Muang Thong Thani.Yesterday there was a demonstration in front of the tax office at my doorstep. Very exuberant atmosphere, a bit compared to the supporters of a sports club who have become champions.
I've been walking through Bangkok with my husband for two days now, of course you notice from the protests that something is going on, but it's not scary or anything at all. This afternoon we came out of the MBK and then the Suthep came along with hordes of supporters. Only the well-known whistles were blown and sung very loudly, but no aggression at all. The main road is now one open air market. With thousands of people we are smart enough not to get there in the late evening hours.
The tourists are staying away en masse, a pity because it is really doable, we have until Monday before we continue our journey, but I am glad that I have not changed my travel plans.
Both in the plane (empty seats are nice, my husband could sleep comfortably in the economy class) and at the airport you notice that something is going on, here there was no one in line at passport control, even though it was high season is. I hope it ends well for Thailand otherwise I think this is a shame for this beautiful country where I love to visit.
I read more often in recent days that accessibility in Bangkok is not a problem. I would like to add a side note here. For us people who are familiar with Bangkok, accessibility within the city will be less of a problem because you know how it works. I can imagine very well that if you do not know Bangkok or less well, it can indeed be a problem. I did end up in a demonstration a few weeks ago in China Town and I couldn't get away by taxi or Tuk Tuk. I took a motorbike taxi and of course got back where I wanted to, but we shouldn't make it more beautiful than it is and for an average tourist these are not fun times to move around in Bangkok. Because you can't get to every part of the city by skytrain or other public transport.
@LU rightly points out that the situation can cause problems for tourists who are not familiar with the city in terms of accessibility. My advice to them is: ask your hotel what is wise or how best to get somewhere and refuse tuktuks and taxis that only want to transport you for 200 baht.
Landed back at Don Muang airport yesterday. Took a taxi to Mochit and was immediately told not possible protest. not on the way