Stranded in Bangkok: One man’s plight
From Chris Jackson in Bangkok
Re: the current situation in Bangkok caused by the PAD protests.
I write in particular with reference to Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kohsurat’s announcement that tourists trapped due to the situation would be given 2,000 baht per day for accommodation and food.
After investigating this offer yesterday, it appears things are not as transparent as they may seem.
My Thai wife and I visited the TAT offices to get more information. First of all, we were told that this was only available at designated hotels that are members of the Bangkok Hotel Association.
Explaining our circumstances, that we have had no support from Etihad Airlines or from the British Embassy – who in fact told us to contact the TAT offices – we were forced on Nov 26 to find our own accommodation. In addition, our UK travel insurance would not cover us because this is classed as a civil uprising, protest, etc.
We were told we would have to cancel our current hotel accommodation, which had been paid in full through an online agent, then apply for a listed hotel.
However, there is a large demand for those hotels, so we would have to go on the waiting lists. Obviously we would be fools to cancel accommodation that we had booked and paid for, purely because of our cancelled flight on Nov 26 and the subsequent rescheduling of our tickets by Etihad for Dec 2; that is, of course, if the airport situation is resolved by then.
The point is, I cannot understand why a trapped tourist such as myself, who had no information or support from any of the companies or institutions approached, should not be reimbursed not only for the 2,000 baht per day, which would go a long way to paying for our current accommodation, but also for the loss of income this is causing people like myself.
I am a lecturer at University College in London, where course timetable, student projects, tutorials and major research projects are all being cancelled or rescheduled for next year due to my situation.
I also run a limited company in the UK. This protest is causing me major problems with clients and projects scheduled to start this week.
So my question should not be how I go about claiming the 2,000 baht per day, but what legal action should I take against the Thai government for the loss of earnings, loss of business and general inconvenience this situation is causing me through their inability to control a protest which is crippling their economy and causing huge international embarrassment.
In addition, I heard from my hotel desk that even those hotels included on the so-called list either do not know about this offer or will not honour the agreement to guests.
Ian Jarrett
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