Thailand in the Time of Coup: Is Bangkok Safe?
When in Manila, it is normal to daydream of a vacation that will provide you with a quick escape from the daily routine that you call “work”. Admit it or not, the occasional nagging of your boss and being an inch close to beating a deadline, amongst other things, will surely make you want to just book a ticket and fly to a destination where you can momentarily forget how chaotic office life can be.
If you are thinking of a place for your next vacation, why not consider flying to Bangkok? Bangkok? Yes, Bangkok! Perhaps, you are now contemplating on why I would suggest such a place considering that the coup is currently ongoing. Well, I have news for you! In spite of the political situation, the city remains safe! In fact, this might just be the best time to travel to Thailand!!! Now that is lot of exclamation points I made. I just want to emphasize my point, which is, I repeat: that Bangkok is a safe place.
Thailand in the Time of Coup: Is Bangkok Safe?
Daydream of your next destination!
I have had the pleasure of exploring Thailand on my own recently. It was very liberating and memorable, especially considering how beautiful Bangkok is in many ways – the culture, nightlife, food, shopping, temples, and other things that make it unique. You’ll never run out of things to do and you won’t even have to spend a fortune to find enjoyment. You can just watch the sunset over Chao Phraya River and you are already in for a treat.
Indulge in shopping
Watch the sun setting by the river
Visit the temples
Unwind in a rooftop bar
In an article that has been posted by Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet, he gave the reassurance that Bangkok remains to be harmless, as well. Of course, common sense would dictate that this will be the case if you follow the protocols imposed by the Thai government and if you know the right places to go to. Anton just attended the Digital Innovation Asia Social Media Forum and Travel Bloggers Meet there – living proof that a holiday in Bangkok should still be part of your current travel plans.
In a recent conversation via email with Lub D Siam (the hostel that I stayed in when I visited Bangkok last January), the management also gave me validation with regards to the city’s safety, and that of other parts of Thailand. It was emphasized that the situation isn’t as grave as portrayed in the news, where stories are often sensationalised to the disadvantage of the Thais.
Lub D Siam Hostel
Richard Barrow, a travel blogger who is based in Thailand, uses the power of the internet to connect to the rest of the world to bring back the confidence of tourists. He notes that amidst the situation, the military junta is trying to bring back happiness in its people through various activities, such as in the case of offering free movies, haircuts, concerts, and free entrance to national museums and historical sites. It is also very timely since the World Cup matches are shown for free on TV. All of these things are part of the happiness campaign in the country.
Free entrance for locals
