Update of Political Situation in Thailand
October 10, 2008 – 11:18 am
Thailand has been in political trouble since Aug 26 when thousands of anti-government protesters seized the Prime Minister’s Office at Government House, and called for the resignation of Samak Sundaravej as prime minister who they claim he is a proxy of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
The Constitution Court disqualified Samak as acting prime minister, after finding him guilty of hosting two cooking programs while still in office. After a week of sharp political twists and turns, Thailand’s parliament elected Somchai Wongsawat as the country’s new prime minister.
Somchai Wongsawat, whose candidacy was supported by the governing People Power Party (PPP), has promised to do his “very best” as prime minister. Mr Somchai told reporters that the country had seen many conflicts, but that he personally harbored no anger or hatred. “It’s about time for national reconciliation in Thailand,” he said.
On Suday night protestors put up barbed wire and other barricades to enforce their siege of parliament, the protesters who had gathered in front of parliament to prevent Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat from delivering the government’s policy statement. Demonstrators had set up a blockade outside the parliament building, which Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat escaped by climbing over a fence. But as troops moved in, protesters pulled back from the blockade. According to the Bangkok Post on Wednesday.
According to eyewitnesses (Bangkok Post), no warning was given by the police prior to the raid. Dozens of tear gas canisters were fired into the crowd to dispurse the protestors. 2 protestors died as a result of the clashes with police. 385 others were treated for injuries caused by the use of tear gas.
TOURISM
BANGKOK October 8th,
Thailand, whilst it is in the midst of a political crisis, it is still safe for tourists and they are welcome to visit the country.
The political protests only affected a certain area near Government House but the rest of Bangkok and the other provinces are safe to visit.
The political tensions in Thailand have done little to change daily life. The area around the Independence Monument and Government House in Bangkok is still really the only area where protesters can be seen. Outside Bangkok life remains the safe for most locals. Tourist’s have report no changes or delays to transport systems or flights. All airports are open and working as usual.
All tourist spots, shopping centers, and riverside attractions, as well as all roads and public and private transport systems, are functioning normally with only 3 intersections next to Government House closed. All hotels, resorts, convention and exhibition venues in Bangkok and major attraction throughout the Thai Kingdom, for instance Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi and Pattaya are open for business as usual. SuvarnabhumiAirport and regional airports around Thailand are operating normally with no disruptions.
TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) has been conducting random interviews with individual tourists at various popular tourism sites around Bangkok, such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Khao San Road, Chatuchak Market, Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Siam Square and CentralWorld at Ratchaprasong intersection. Foreign tourists were asked how they felt about their stay in Thailand over the past weeks and early this week. All of the individuals responded positively and indicated that the situation has not in any way affected his/her visit to Thailand.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has embarked on an immediate tourism recovery plan and is working closely with the Thai tourism industry to restore confidence in the destination.
Further stories on the political situation in THailand can be read on the Bangkok Post website. http://www.bangkokpost.com/081008_News/08Oct2008_news02.php
