Is it safe to travel to Bangkok now?

I bet this is the hottest topic now. Is it still safe to travel to Bangkok or Thailand now? I think this is also the toughest question to be answered. Over 11 Millions of travelers around the world visiting Bangkok each year, not far less than the figure of Paris and London. Many of us love Bangkok. We love its temples, Wat, palace, its culture, foods, shopping, weather, people and some love its red light districts. It is one of the best travel destination for any type of tourists. It is also used to be among the safest place to visit with least mugging and robbery happening to tourists. But what’s now?

Hundreds of ‘Red Shirt‘ protesters and demonstrators fought their way into Bangkok main roads near the Phan Fah bridge and Rajdumnoen Road yesterday and troops of army were deployed to stop the ‘red sea’ but created the worst political violence of Bangkok in 18 years. Hundreds people wounded and 15 were killed in the violence, included a Japanese jounalist who worked as Reuters TV cameraman in the clash, as reported in the news yesterday.

What travelers concern especially now is whether Bangkok is still the travel destination to visit? Though no life bullets were used against the ‘Red Shirt’ protesters, tear gas bombs were still thrown into them while ‘Red Shirt’ demonstrators were armed with petrol bombs and grenades. Windows shattered and car smashed were what happened to the public. Roads were closed and hotels were barricaded. Khao San Road, an area popular with back-packing tourists were threatened into riot. Can you insist that travelers are still safe to visit Bangkok especially now?

I used to say ‘Yes‘ to the same question during their 2008 crackdown before. Not anymore. When I read about the death of a foreign journalist due to yesterday’s violence, I’ve changed my answer to a big ‘NO NO‘. They seemed to have lost their mind and once ‘travelers-safe’ demonstrations is now dangerous to tourists and public. So I would suggest travelers to stay away from at least Bangkok for the time being, until Thai ruling government could resolve their internal affairs and the influences of their fugitive former premier, Thaksin Shinawatra. 🙁 – Travel Feeder, your ultimate travel photo blog.

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.