Thailand takes action to protect tourists during shutdown
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has said the ‘utmost efforts’ will be taken to ensure tourists are not affected by the Black Monday shutdown.
Protestors against the Thai government have threatened to "shut down" Bangkok on January 13, blocking all main roads in the capital.
But a TAT spokeswoman said: "The key message is that #bangkokshutdown is an exaggeration and actually much of the city will still be open for business and accessible, both for locals and tourists."
According to TAT, special lanes will be provided for tourist buses and protesters have promised they will not disrupt public infrastructure including the two airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang.
In a blog on its website, it said Bangkok’s airports will be open and operate as normal but may be subject to delays from January 13 so travellers should allow extra time for your journey, particularly if they are heading to the airport.
"Tourists can travel to Bangkok and around the city," it said. "The protesters are targeting government buildings only and so there should be no disruption to tourist attractions and local businesses.
"However, tourists are advised to be vigilant and avoid areas where crowds may gather."
Businesses including banks, petrol and gas stations, hotels, spas, restaurants, entertainment venues, cinemas, convention centres, shopping malls, superstores, convenient stores, pharmacies, hospitals and more will be open as usual, it adds.
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Department has confirmed 56 flights have been cancelled to Bangkok from Singapore and Hong Kong in response to a lack of demand over the protest period and beyond.
Thai Airways, which will close some of its downtown offices during the protests, has increased its check-in time from two to four hours for Bangkok departures.
So-called "Tourist Friends Centres" will be set up in key locations across Bangkok, including airports, skyrail stations and some hotels.
In another development, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged citizens not to travel to Thailand due to the tense political situation.
Diane
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