The latest on Thailand’s military coup as of this morning, Saturday 24th May…
• Protest Sites - Demonstrators have been cleared from all major sites in and around Bangkok as of yesterday. There have, however, been small pockets of protesters popping up around the city who are voicing their disapproval of the military coup. These protests have been peaceful, small in number and have been overseen by the military stationed in the city.
• Nationwide Curfew (11pm-4am) - The curfew will now be in effect from 11pm-4am, nationwide. Then 25th-28th May to be 12am-4am across 24 provinces, mostly in the north and northeast of Thailand. We expect the curfew to be lifed within the next 3-4 days, and will keep you updated on that.
For the curfew, the same applies until further notice - travellers are allowed to travel freely as needed, as are people working night shifts, government workers, those working in the aviation industry, perishable food logistics, hospitals, humaitarian organisations.
People who happen to have urgent or important errands during the curfew hours are advised to seek advice from military officers near their homes.
• Traffic and Public Transport - Traffic, as of this morning, is moving freely throughout Bangkok with seemingly fewer than usual cars on the road.
All roads where demonstrations had been staged and protesters had been camped which were temporarily closed yesterday due to cleanup operations have now all been opened again.
The BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway will operate as normal during the day, but will stop services at 9pm for the duration of the curfew. However, BTS and MRT urge all those travelling with the transport networks not to show up at 9pm in order to catch the last trains, as long queues are to be expected.
• Public Places and Businesses - Are open as normal, however, most will have adjusted opening and closing times in line with curfew hours, with some businesses even opting out of opening altogether.
Anyone planning any visits anywhere is obviously advised to check in advance for any changes to opening and closing times.
• Airports and Transfers - Airports are open as usual and can also confirm that our airport transfer services are still operating as normal. The army has been quoted as saying it will provide security to foreigners, including vacationers who need to move around, even during curfew hours.
• Asia World Sightseeing Tours - Are still operating as normal during the day with clients on evening tours being transferred directly to their hotels afterwards without any issues.
We need to advise, however, that some attractions will have opted to close early to allow their staff time to travel home. On the other hand, some attractions may have decided to cease operations until the curew has been lifted.
In Bangkok for instance, the Calypso Cabaret Show, one of the more popular attractions in Bangkok, will have 1 show in the evening until further notice between 19.30 to 20.30 only. Elsewhere, the Thai Boxing Stadium will be closed until the curfew has been lifted.
There have been few changes in the situation since the coup was announced, we encourage all travellers to go about their planned activities as normal as possible given the limitations in place at the moment. Despite the dramatic appearance on the surface of this situation it is still very safe here in Thailand.
