Bangkok Travel Answers

I wouldn't worry about any Red Shirt rally because most political demonstrations you can avoid. Besides, Bangkok is bigger city than you may think. During past demonstrations, unless you were close by you wouldn't know there was one going on. Choose an area for your hotel that is not close to the protest area. If by chance things did get out of control, you just move out and go to nearby Pattaya, Hua Hin or some other city. Thousands of tourists cancelled out years ago when protests went on and lost thousands of dollars. Other tourists, remaining flexible, just visited other cities. They had a good time and did not lose money. Some tourists during the last demonstrations still visited Bangkok but chose different areas to stay in. Avoid government offices. Two weeks for Bangkok only is a long time. Usually a few days in the beginning of your trip and a few days at the end of your trip is enough. In Between you visit other cities. The protests are not everywhere in the city. You should find shopping opportunities available. If one area is closed off just go to another area. When you are in other cities like Pattaya, Hua Hin, Khorat, etc. You also have shopping there too! The last time there were protests the Thai military and police forces were out in force near the airport. They were making sure there would be no protesters taking over that airport. I thought security was pretty good and I have been there for Red Shirt and Yellow Shirt protests. Good luck.

Weather is good in December but hotel prices are on the way up. Especially close to Christmas. This is high season for hotel pricing. If you need hotel recommendations or advice also include a price range for your room. Your choice! Have fun.

And don't forget - Father Christmas wears a red shirt :-)

I have been to Bk the last 4 years and during those times...there were protests. I didn't even notice. As stated, Dec is a good time to be in Bk..but it is also expensive. Also, 2 weeks in Bk is a long time...though some people like the city and the hustle and bustle that comes with it.

I wouldn't worry about protests, but if you are near one just head to a different area. Protests may affect bus routes but probably not the train system.

The odds of any trouble suddenly "breaking out" are slim. There is usually plenty of warning. No one caught up in the 2010 mess was aware that there was trouble brewing. Although there is a lot of heated rhetoric tossed around by the "leaders", Red Shirt protests have always been peaceful. It was the dispersing that turned violent. That was after a couple months of occupation. Surprising than anyone in Bangkok couldn't notice the Ratchaprasong protest of 2010; they shut down the biggest tourist shopping district in Bangkok. That's why they had to be broken up.

First of all, thank you for the info! I was thinking of staying around Ratchprarop Road, Pratunam area, so do you think if there were to be any protest, would it be affected? And the shopping areas like chatuchak and khaosan are not affected right? :)

December is a good month to travel weather wise. It is hot but not so hot that you can hardly move.

**I was thinking of staying around Ratchprarop Road, Pratunam area, so do you think if there were to be any protest, would it be affected? And the shopping areas like chatuchak and khaosan are not affected right? :) ** It's a good time to go. I would not worry so much about what "might" happen and just plan on having a great time.

"I was thinking of staying around Ratchprarop Road, Pratunam area, so do you think if there were to be any protest, would it be affected? And the shopping areas like chatuchak and khaosan are not affected right?" * This Pratunam/Ratchaprorop area is not close to Khao San Road or Chatuchak. You can use the Ratchaprorop Rail Link to connect with the Skytrain at Phaya Thai and take the Skytrain to Chatuchak. Chatuchak is a WEEKEND market. There are hotels in this area from around 800 baht to over 4000 baht a night. Some cheaper hotels not much of a walk from Rathaprorop Rail Link Station are available. If you hear that a protest is imminent for your area you simply change hotels! It is not like you are buying property you are only a temporary guest in a hotel. Choose a cheap hotel and if you do not get your money back it won't be that much to lose. Pay per day. Two weeks for Bangkok is too long anyway! When protests occur tourists are not the targets the government is. If you are worried so much about Bangkok then skip that city and go to another city instead like many thousands of tourists did during past protests. Or visit in November or in January. Hotels will probably be cheaper in November and January anyway. Your choice.

Living in Bangkok, my wife Thai, we have not heard of any proposed protests in December. The PAD is whining about the state of things, but that's their normal stance. If the PAD does protest, they usually keep it to a confined area, away from downtown. The PAD, and the "streets" don't mix. The streets are filled with red shirt people. The odds are very, very slim that you will get caught up in anything. Our estranged brother-in-law was killed during the protests near Khaosan Road. But, although he didn't know it was going to be violent, he did go to visit the protest. May we ask, are you from Singapore?

"May we ask, are you from Singapore?" * This would have been my first guess too!

Weather may be nice to travel in Thailand :D Don't worry about Red Shirt rally. there're many place in BKK to visit and not effect on your plan, i think :D

Thank you for the reply!yups. i am from Singapore. why is that your first guess ehs? haha.

" i am from Singapore. why is that your first guess ehs? haha." * Visitors from Singapore seem to have more worries about safety in Thailand than just about any other visitor to Thailand! Not just this particular forum! Same comments about Singapore "worrying about safety in Thailand" show up on many travel forums. Must be something in your newspapers or on your local TV's or something going on. Have fun. If something really bad happens you can always walk home from Thailand but you can't do that for US, UK or Oz tourists.

As SirHalberd said, Singapore posters are obsessed with "safety in Bangkok". And, they are often obsessed with tiny details.

Thank you for all the reply! Appreciate them loads. :-)

Actually, i would not buy anything in KSR unless you cannot get it anywhere else. The prices in KSR are very high and most foreigners don't know how to bargain well or are unaware of the true price. Some of the stall holders in KSR have gotten rich quickly, and it costs them a fortune to set up there stall there. For me KSR is one of the worst places in Asia with 1000's of foreigners hanging around doing nothing but chatting to other foreigners. Is this why we travel? No, we travel to see the country and meet the locals. Most things in Khao San Road are available at Chatuchak weekend market, but get there by 8am as it will be crowded later.