Thailand
CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE MAY 16
Avoid downtown Bangkok at all times! Dutch Embassy is not available to visitors until further notice (but by phone).
Given the extreme violence of the past few days, everyone in Bangkok is asked to be extra vigilant. Non-essential travel to Bangkok is not recommended by the Dutch government. Movement in a large part of the center is strongly discouraged. Both now and in the days to come.
There are now 'no go' areas in the center of Bangkok that are literally life-threatening. The Dutch Embassy on Wirless Road is also no longer accessible and extremely dangerous.
Dutch Embassy not available
Due to the dangerous situation in the area surrounding the embassy, the embassy will be closed to the public until further notice. You are advised to check the website of the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok when the embassy will be open to the public again. You are advised - until further notice - not to go near the embassy and Wireless Road. The embassy remains reachable by email ( [email protected]) and for emergencies 0819201329 (from abroad +66819201329) and 0860086340 (+66860086340).
On May 13, from 18.00 p.m., security forces completely closed access to several roads surrounding the demonstrators' location. Wireless Road (on which the embassy is also located), and parts of Petchaburi, Phayathai and Rama 4 roads are closed to traffic. Confrontations have now arisen between the security forces and demonstrators at various locations along the Rama 4 Road, resulting in one death and dozens of injuries, according to reports (including one of the leaders of the demonstrators (red shirts)). Dutch people are advised to completely avoid the Rajaprasong intersection and all mentioned roads for the time being and to continue to keep a close eye on developments.
Text on the website of the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok on May 15:
General Advice – valid on May 15, 2010
The situation in Bangkok is now very tense. Security forces closed off the area around the demonstration on 13 May. You are advised to completely avoid the area (bounded by Petchaburi Road, Wireless Road, Rama 4 and Phya Thai Road).
Violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators, which began on the night of May 13 and continued through May 14, reportedly left more than 10 dead and more than 100 injured. These confrontations are expected to continue in the coming days. Violent confrontations take place in various locations. The most serious clashes so far have occurred on Rama 4 Road (between the intersections with Silom Road and Wireless Road), along Lumpini park on Wireless Road and in Pratunam (intersection Petchburi Road with Rajadamri and Rajaprarob Roads up to the Indra Regent Hotel.
Both the BTS overground metro and the MRTA underground metro will not operate on May 15.
Text on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 15:
News
Anti-government demonstrators, the so-called red shirts, have been demonstrating in Bangkok since March 12. A large number of protesters are currently staying at the Ratchaprasong intersection near the major department stores Central World and Siam Paragon.
On April 7, Prime Minister Abhisit declared a state of emergency for Bangkok and parts of the surrounding provinces of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathumthani, Nakhon Pathom and Ayutthaya. On May 13, the government declared a state of emergency for 15 other provinces, namely Chon Buri, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sa Ket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Lampang and Nakhon Sawan.
On Saturday, April 10, violent clashes took place between demonstrators and security forces. 25 people were killed and many hundreds of people were injured, including some foreigners. In recent weeks, a number of incidents have occurred resulting in deaths and injuries.
The political situation is now very tense. On May 13, security forces closed off the area around the red shirts demonstration to all traffic. Violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators on 13 and 14 May reportedly left 16 dead and more than 100 injured. These violent confrontations are expected to continue in the coming days.
Travelers are advised to avoid the area (bounded by Petchaburi Road, Wireless Road, Rama 4 and Phya Thai Road) completely.
There is no problem for travelers transferring to other flights at Bangkok airport.
A summary of the situation on May 15 and travel advice:
- There is serious violence in the center of Bangkok, resulting in many deaths and injuries.
- It looks like the violence will continue for the next few days.
- Dutch people and tourists are strongly advised to avoid the protest locations in Bangkok.
- In the event of violent confrontations, travelers are advised to avoid moving within the capital Bangkok as much as possible.
- Non-essential travel to Bangkok is not recommended by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, warning level 4.
- Do not wear yellow or red clothing, or clothing that contains a lot of these colors when you are in Bangkok.
- Avoid gatherings in the Thai capital.
- Follow the English language news www.nationmultimedia.com or www.bangkokpost.com.
- Check the website regularly Dutch embassy in Thailand and follow the travel advice.
- Remain extremely careful and vigilant in central Bangkok.
Travel advice rest of Thailand
- There is currently no danger in other tourist cities and destinations such as Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, etc.
- Bangkok airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, is safe and normally accessible.
- Hotels in the suburbs of Bangkok and near the airport are safe.
Register with the Dutch embassy in Thailand
Registration can be very useful in any emergency situation. It offers the possibility to inform you quickly and effectively about matters that may be of interest to you. This new automated registration system supports, for example, the sending of SMS and e-mail messages to registered Dutch citizens in the event of a (imminent) crisis. Register here.
Web sites for information about safety risks in Thailand and travel advice:
– Dutch Embassy Bangkok
–Tourism Authority of Thailand
.