Political Unrest in Thailand Anticipated To Hit Normal Life

Internal Security Act Rolled Out in Thailand

Anticipating trouble in the wake of the upcoming anti government mass protest marches by the left wing Red Shirts, the government of Thailand has implemented the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Thailand and seven nearby areas. The act empowers the Internal Security Operations Command with the following powers:

• Allowing state officials to take any step to curtail illegal activities.

• Protect the life and property of people by ensuring that no malicious actions are carried out with explosive related electronic equipment.

• Sealing of any locality or building during its operational hours, with the exception of permission from a designated official.

• Curtailing the carrying of weapons outside dwelling places

• Enforcing curfew orders by restricting exit from dwelling places.

• Prohibiting or providing restricted access to vehicles in certain areas.

Duration and Sites of the Protest

The protests has already started on 12 March and expected to continue till 23 March. Its covering almost 10 sites, namely Nonthaburi City Hall, the town hall of Samut Prakan province, Lumpini Park, King Taksin Memorial on Wong Wien Yai Circle, Tung Song Hong, Din Daeng, Laksi monument, two sites in Pathum Thani province’s Lamlukka district, and Bangna. The protests would move to Ratchadamnoen Road on 14 March.

The main Bangkok rally would take place on 14 March covering the area from Sanam Laung to King Rama V’s Equestrian Statue. The main stage of the rally would be at Ratchadarnnoen Klang road’s Phan Fa Leeland Bridge.

Regions Covered by ISA

As per Panithan Wattanayakorn, the spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, ISA would be enforced throughout Bangkok and Nonthaburi as well as some districts of Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Prakarn, Chachoengsao, and Samut Sakorn. Although, rallying would be permitted, but the police and military forces would have every right to ensure that peace is maintained and public property is not damaged.

Economic Fallout of the Scenario

Among the chief concerns is the possible closure of Bangkok’s airports by protestors. Bangkok is a hub for many international full service as well as low cost airlines with travellers vying to book cheap flights to this exciting destination and in case of such a development, the country’s economy will suffer a crippling blow. However, the Red Shirts have assured not to close any airports. Mr. Quinton Quayle, the UK ambassador to Bangkok also raised the issue with the opposition party Puea Thai, who are Red Shirts sympathisers.

Expectedly, the market sentiment is far from robust. February saw a sharp decline in indices. In fact, the central bank of Thailand released a statement that it was deliberating a rise in rates to normalise policy settings. However, the political unrest has upset the timing.

Thailand 'is top destination for winter sun'

People hoping to cast their woolies aside and soak up some sunshine this winter have been advised to book a flight to Thailand.

According to travel search site Skyscanner, the country is a top destination for Brits planning a break during January, February and March.

The website noted that Thailand has something to offer everyone, from backpackers to families and honeymooners.

News Source: Southall Travel
Reference: Winter Sun Holidays in Thailand

Thailand 'offers great value for money'

Brits hoping to take a bargain long-haul break in 2010 may wish to consider booking a flight to Thailand.

According to Travelmood, it is one of the best value destinations for British travellers.

Rad Sofronijevic, the company's managing director, said 2009 saw a rise in the number of people making late bookings and noted that, as a result, airlines and hotels are offering great deals for 2010 in order to encourage early bookings.

"Thailand is definitely more affordable for 2010 than it was this year because of the great, value-added deals around," he commented.

Mr Sofronijevic added that flights to Australia and New Zealand are also becoming more affordable for Britons.

Speaking earlier this month, Chris Lee, marketing advisor for the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said the country is much more than a beach destination and has a fantastic cultural heritage, with plenty of attractions for travellers to explore.

Thailand offers 'a completely different experience'

People booking holidays to Thailand can expect much more than a traditional 'drop and flop' break, it has been claimed.

"[Thailand] is about culture, nature and heritage," Chris Lee, marketing advisor for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), commented.

He added that there is an extensive programme of events - particularly for the north of the country - that draws tourists to the region.

"We have got all the elephants up there in the elephant camps, a bit of the Himalayas with some beautiful scenes, butterfly farms, orchid farms and heritage trails in ancient cities," Mr Lee elaborated.

Last month, TAT announced that its campaign Amazing Thailand, Amazing Value generated 46 per cent more bookings between October and December this year than experienced in the corresponding period in 2008.

The TAT figures showed that, on average, tourists stay in the country for 13 nights.

Earlier in the year American Express Global Foreign Exchange Services reported that UK demand for currencies from long-haul destinations such as Thailand increased in the second quarter of 2009 as holidaymakers travelled further afield to find value on their breaks.