Decision of the Calamity Committee dated 17 May 2010:
- Determination of a (threatened) calamity within the meaning of the regulation with effect from 14 May 2010 for the whole of Bangkok, excluding the airports (in this context, the airports also include the airport hotels).
- The determination of the extent to which (a) situation(s) eligible for payment has existed since Friday 14 May 2010 up to and including the present as a result of this (imminent) calamity will be assessed on the basis of the specific circumstances of the travelers on site as reported by the tour operator.
- Determination of a situation eligible for benefits with immediate effect, on the understanding that consumers residing in Bangkok will move elsewhere Thailand must be accommodated (travel adjustment).
Performance instruction
Travel adjustments within Thailand that have already been made from Friday 14 May up to and including the present are eligible for reimbursement. The same applies to similar travel adjustments that have yet to be made.
Any compensation for unused vacation days will only be made in exceptional cases, such as for consumers who stayed in Bangkok in the affected area and their hotels couldn't leave. The same applies to unused vacation days due to early return to the Netherlands.
As long as the eligible situation continues, consumers who have booked a trip to Bangkok under the guarantee scheme of the Calamity Fund (which has not yet started) can cancel their trip free of charge from 30 days before departure. They can turn to their travel organizer for this.
In addition, as long as the benefit-eligible situation continues, no new travel with guarantee can be booked unless such travel must start later than 30 days after the booking date. The Calamity Committee continues to monitor the situation closely.
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It would be helpful if something was also mentioned about the (im)possibilities of traveling directly via the largest train station in Bangkok, Hua Lamphong
@Frank: the Calamity Committee does not go that far. The problem is of course that Hua Lamphong is located in the middle of the city. And there is a calamity…
OK, I get it.
Question asked as a concerned parent. Son plans to travel to Laos via Bangkok by train. Arrival May 22 at the airport and departure train May 23. The intention was to stay overnight in a hostel in Bangkok, but of course that will now be overnight at the airport.
The area is reasonably shielded in terms of border (official map area demonstrations). So the question is now; is it necessary to change everything, or if he only goes from the airport by taxi to the station and leaves there by train, can he leave it as it is now?
What is your view based on knowledge and contacts. of course completely without obligations and guarantees and only based on the current situation.
M curious.
@Frank: I understand your concern as a parent, but we can hardly advise you on this one. If the situation does not improve, your son can fly directly from Suvarnabhumi to Udon Thani and then take the bus to the border with Laos.
Have a look at this web link:
http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm#Bangkok to Nong Khai
You could board at Don Muang or in Ayutthaya, I would choose Ayutthaya myself by taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport, you have to look for yourself, I think it is the safest at the moment.
Thanks for the quick and constructive answer.
It's hectic now, all the shops there are closed I hear on NOS 1 and people are afraid of escalation. It changes by the day but maybe on the 23rd it looks friendlier.
I intend to report his final choice / experience.