At it again !!!

[Rasher]

Originally Posted by Crustasian

Tourists being stranded at airports all over Thailand.!!!Both incoming and out going.!!

This is going to have far reaching ramifications for the next high season.There will be loads of cancellations!!

Yet another sh1te year for the tourist industry.

Yeah, have to agree with that...as if the increase in air fares and worldwide economic slowdown was not damaging enough!

I'm going to Phuket next Saturday, and it was amazing today, the amount of people here who think I'm crazy to consider going to Thailand.

News like this is sensationalised by the media and gets around pretty fast...

Joe

[marc26]

Originally Posted by Rasher

Yeah, have to agree with that...as if the increase in air fares and worldwide economic slowdown was not damaging enough!

I'm going to Phuket next Saturday, and it was amazing today, the amount of people here who think I'm crazy to consider going to Thailand.

News like this is sensationalised by the media and gets around pretty fast...

Joe

how is a possible violent coup being sensationalized?
it is a country in political turmoil that could turn very violent
i dont't think is a case of someone overreacting with mis-information and questioning why you would go to a 3rd world country(as many ignorant people do to all of us that frequent Thailand)
this is a real situation that should not be taken lightly
hell, even to put up with possible domestic flight disruptions is a deterrent enough

i think anyone who could cancel and re-arrange their holiday is foolish for not doing it
sure, you could say it probably won't affect you, but why even take the chance?

[22sye22]

Originally Posted by marc26

how is a possible violent coup being sensationalized?
it is a country in political turmoil that could turn very violent
i dont't think is a case of someone overreacting with mis-information and questioning why you would go to a 3rd world country(as many ignorant people do to all of us that frequent Thailand)
this is a real situation that should not be taken lightly
hell, even to put up with possible domestic flight disruptions is a deterrent enough

i think anyone who could cancel and re-arrange their holiday is foolish for not doing it
sure, you could say it probably won't affect you, but why even take the chance?

i agree im going soon it aint gonna stop me even if i have to travel down south on the train

[Dupree00]

So is BKK Airports next?

[marc26]

Originally Posted by 22sye22

i agree im going soon it aint gonna stop me even if i have to travel down south on the train

ummmm....my post was saying people are foolish to go if they can cancel their vacation while this is going on

[Jeep]

mark26.....................hell life is for taking chances........................

[LivinLOS]

Samak just been summoned to the Kings Hua Hin Palace for an audience.

I think we might be hearing the fat lady warming up..

[Denver]

Originally Posted by marc26

ummmm....my post was saying people are foolish to go if they can cancel their vacation while this is going on

Agreed, if they can, however, an established, paid up flight booking from the UK with most airlines is going to be very expensive to re-schedule even if there is another seat/s available when you want it/them. Plus the hotel booking, time off work etc etc.

The potential for trouble here could go on for weeks, if not months. It would appear the 'tourist' is OK apart from some inconvieniences right now. Make the muddy march through a field with your luggage part of your holiday and tell people at home you went trekking!

Personally, I'd go for it. It's a likkle adventure!

[LivinLOS]

I dont think this particular trouble will go on for weeks.. However the big problem is that however this issue shakes out theres no clear governance, so we are back to what ?? More elections (gee they did so well with the last lot) ?? another military Junta ?? Etc.

Thailand has once again exposed itself as the Banana republic it really is, run by children, with a thin fading veneer of development. However thats all good for me, in fact sad as it is to say, the baht crashing, property values crashing, a lack of tourists, more competition for fewer baht.. Well its not nice to say it, but theres not much in there thats not to like for an expat whose money comes from out of the country.

[Denver]

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

Thailand has once again exposed itself as the Banana republic it really is, run by children, with a thin fading veneer of development. However thats all good for me, in fact sad as it is to say, the baht crashing, property values crashing, a lack of tourists, more competition for fewer baht.. Well its not nice to say it, but theres not much in there thats not to like for an expat whose money comes from out of the country.

Good Post Sef and I have to agree, as selfish as it may sound, my first thought as I read what you had to say was "That's part of the many reasons I came here!" - I could have retired to anywhere I wanted really and tried Cyprus and Croatia but found myself here. (Mainly because CY and CRO want to join the EU and everything that goes with that!!!! The Tax Man Cometh)

My money goes further here, I haven't a property burden around my neck, lack of tourists.......Shucks! Sorry to those trying to earn a crust at it both Thai and Farang............But!

If it kicks off here, where I don't feel safe and my sixth sense kicks in, I have my exit strategy. I've lived through a few military coups and invasions both armed and as a civilian and still here yabbering on about it.

Sh1t, who's that at the door???

[Petter]

Agreed, if they can, however, an established, paid up flight booking from the UK with most airlines is going to be very expensive to re-schedule even if there is another seat/s available when you want it/them. Plus the hotel booking, time off work etc etc

Nja,isent many countrys left if some protest activity shal deside where to go or not

fu......i,m booked my tickets

[LivinLOS]

Given I am prepared to ride a scooter on Thai roads.. I dont think the 'security situation' is going to drive me away !! I could imagine a future where farangs got disliked to the point where I could be driven out by xenophobia but thats not really anywhere on the close horizon.

I debated if I should say it actually.. As it does seem like reveling in anothers miss fortune but the fact of the matter is, they are doing this to themselves, they are the ones that dont seem able to have a free and clean election, they are the ones that then justify thier actions on that premise, just look at Thailand history !! They have had what 75 years of 'democracy' ?? And almost 25 coups !! Thaksin was the first EVER Thai person to be elected, serve his full term, and hand over to another election !! The first ever !!

So if Thailand want to look like a banana republic, if Thais want to have a mini riot every time the lose a vote (that they sold !!), if Thailand wants to discourage direct investment, who am I to say its wrong. Its thier country, they can screw it up any way they please.

The things I like, the sunshine, the food, the beaches, the easy going vibe.. Well I dont see them threatened.

[MassMoose]

Velly no good news! ugh! Hope it ends soon!

[snakebite911]

Originally Posted by MassMoose

Velly no good news! ugh! Hope it ends soon!

Yes, first they cancel your flight, and then they try to cancel your airport.

[MassMoose]

Originally Posted by snakebite911

Yes, first they cancel your flight, and then they try to cancel your airport.

55555 Very good point! Totally forgot the Thai flight I finally got my refund on.

Thailand is on my probation list, but will easily come off if my trip in two weeks goes smoothly...

[nacha]

Originally Posted by snakebite911

Yes, first they cancel your flight, and then they try to cancel your airport.

actually that's a new situation...
hope the situation gets better the next days!

[alfredo garcia]

Quote = Speaking to reporters afterwards, Samak rhetorically asked the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD): "Where do you people think you're going with all of this? Are you Thai?"

[alfredo garcia]

This one is a doozy to
Quote = Yet Samak vowed not to quit.

"I don't want to announce a state of emergency, because that would destroy the atmosphere [of the event]," Samak said. "I'll hold off until tomorrow. It's a grand event."

[Capt. Fantastic]

The WSJ has another pithful article, this time in the paid section.

First two paragraphs:

"Waves of antigovernment protests spread beyond Thailand's capital Friday as clashes between police and demonstrators intensified, forcing the closure of several regional airports and disrupting rail services.

"The escalating political confrontation threatens to destabilize the popularly elected government of Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and could begin to undermine the country's economy, especially the vital tourism sector, which is vulnerable to any prolonged disruption of air travel."

Once the WSJ starts giving this kind of coverage, with this kind of verbage (participles notwithstanding) it has gotten serious.

[11]

So PAD has pushed and surely the next step has to be a PPP counter move ...

Meanwhile, Samak's People Power Party (PPP) on Friday set up a war room at Siam City Hotel, with PM's secretary general Thirapol Noplumpa and Newin Chidchob as key figures.


The ruling party plans to bring in a large number of supporters from the provinces to Sanam Luang to help shore up the government being battered by the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Bangkok's Independent Newspaper

[landofsmiles]

Originally Posted by marc26

how is a possible violent coup being sensationalized?
it is a country in political turmoil that could turn very violent
i dont't think is a case of someone overreacting with mis-information and questioning why you would go to a 3rd world country(as many ignorant people do to all of us that frequent Thailand)
this is a real situation that should not be taken lightly
hell, even to put up with possible domestic flight disruptions is a deterrent enough

i think anyone who could cancel and re-arrange their holiday is foolish for not doing it
sure, you could say it probably won't affect you, but why even take the chance?

I doubt many would be put off just by that. Just because ZOOM Airlines has just shut up shop and left people stranded in Canada and the UK I don't think people will stop travelling between the two countries.

[The Loop]

Originally Posted by landofsmiles

I doubt many would be put off just by that. Just because ZOOM Airlines has just shut up shop and left people stranded in Canada and the UK I don't think people will stop travelling between the two countries.

But in the case of Phuket,it could benefit places like the Phillipines.

[Rasher]

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

I dont think this particular trouble will go on for weeks.. However the big problem is that however this issue shakes out theres no clear governance, so we are back to what ?? More elections (gee they did so well with the last lot) ?? another military Junta ?? Etc.

Thailand has once again exposed itself as the Banana republic it really is, run by children, with a thin fading veneer of development. However thats all good for me, in fact sad as it is to say, the baht crashing, property values crashing, a lack of tourists, more competition for fewer baht.. Well its not nice to say it, but theres not much in there thats not to like for an expat whose money comes from out of the country.

Great post, love the line " run by children, with a thin fading veneer of development."

[billpay]

Just heard that the airport "may" be open at 6pm. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[Rasher]

Originally Posted by billpay

Just heard that the airport "may" be open at 6pm. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

....as long as it is open for business next Saturday...! See ya then Bill!


Joe

[TV Channel 11]

Saturday 15.00:
At 11.40 -12.45, the Director of Phuket Airport, plus senior Police of Phuket province, gave a press conference in Thai and then English, telling our reporters that Phuket airport remains closed for at least another 6 hours, probably 'for most of today' and so far 118 flights including 25 international have been cancelled, with 15,000 passengers affected. They wanted to hold a meeting with leader of PAD protestors at 2pm but noone turned up, so the Director invited them to send a representaive to talk.
The Phuket Tourist Association & Thai Hotel Association (southern chapter) are trying to inform outgoing passengers in Phuket and offer to put them up a special reduced rate with light meals in accomodation until airport reopens. They are also willing to take passengers by bus to Bangkok or Surat Thani. Samui and Surat Thani airports were still open. He said Krabi airport was still closed but only had 2 flights scheduled. Destination Air seaplanes could continue to fly and land on water, even near the airport as it was 'up to them'. Yesterday some tourists/passengers crossed the tarmac from the back south east side near the beach, although they were guided by officials and was still safe, it was not advisable. He was not happy that some tourists had to climb over barbed wire fences with luggage to get into the airport.
The police have not arrested any protestors, including those who broke the law when they entered the tarmac apron near runway. Safety is the biggest consideration. They have standby electric generators incase of any power cuts. The provincial police chief reaffirmed that they have no policy to use violence or force against protestors.

[JayBee]

Originally Posted by marc26

i think anyone who could cancel and re-arrange their holiday is foolish for not doing it
sure, you could say it probably won't affect you, but why even take the chance?

To get laid!

[JayBee]

Originally Posted by Jeep

mark26.....................hell life is for taking chances........................

And for getting laid!

[snakebite911]

Originally Posted by JayBee

To get laid!

Originally Posted by JayBee

And for getting laid!:

One track mind today?

[Crustasian]

My girl was watching Thai TV and told me the only airport not affected in the South was Hat Yai and flights are running out of there.

[JayBee]

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

Thaksin was the first EVER Thai person to be elected, serve his full term, and hand over to another election !!

Should've quit while he was ahead! 55555...... Serves him right, the greedy bastard!

[JayBee]

Originally Posted by snakebite911

One track mind today?

Just another day, same as any other!

[JayBee]

It's funny, but I haven't even heard mention of any of this LOS protest stuff and airport closings in the news here. Not even mentioned in the Asia section of the International news pages. Wouldn't have a clue if not for this forum.

Everything here is mostly about US presidential election. Big news today was that McCain picked a hot-looking, gun-toting, ex-beauty queen as his Vice-presidential running mate. I heard rumors that she will be doing the centerfold spread in Playboy magazine next month to spice up his dull campaign, and make a pitch for the male votes!

[MassMoose]

Originally Posted by JayBee

It's funny, but I haven't even heard mention of any of this LOS protest stuff and airport closings in the news here. Not even mentioned in the Asia section of the International news pages. Wouldn't have a clue if not for this forum.

Try CNN.com/World News/Asia Section-there have had many updates there the past few days.

Also Yahoo.com/World News/Asia Section -also have had updates there the past few days.

[landofsmiles]

I'm just back from the airport. Basically it is CLOSED and the protesters told me it will remain closed until Samak has gone! I managed to get past the barricade ;-) Will post a report and some pics soon here>>> http://www.phuket-info.com/forums/ge...tml#post514410