Thailand : Mon May 26, 2014 11:35 am  

HI I have booked Thailand for early August starting in Bangkok.
With the coup there at the moment I was wondering whether anyone has been recently or just got back.
If they have, could you let me know how it was over there, any major problems. What the local Thais think might happen in the near future. Is the curfew all over Thailand.? as I am going to Kata after Bangkok.
Any advice would be appreciated either on here or by pm.

Re: Thailand : Mon May 26, 2014 1:41 pm  

I was there in October and I have mates who work in the centre of Bangkok. At the moment they seem to be concerned as to "what is going to happen?" rather than the present state of play. Looking at Twitter today (follow @RichardBarrow) there has been some demonstrations against the coup today which foreigners were advised to stay away from and the army are not too happy with foreign media.

I would keep checking latest updates. Bangkok is a huge city, so something could be unsettled in one area and everything fine elsewhere. Enjoy it, it's a superb city

Re: Thailand : Mon May 26, 2014 8:14 pm  

I got back last week, just before the coup. I did a few days in bangkok and seen no trouble. The protests have been going on for about 7 months and seem to be on the outskirks of the city. I spent half of the holiday in pattaya where you will see no trouble. Plenty of peacefull places to visit, koh chang and kanchanaburi(river kwai) we're my favourite this time. And ive been 6 times in 2 half years fantastic place

Re: Thailand : Wed May 28, 2014 10:56 pm  

I spent the whole of 2013 working in Thailand, seconded to our Tesco Lotus business. Great place, and managed to see so much of the country and surrounding nations. I've made many friends there, and keep in touch daily - I'm flying out again in 3 weeks, and looking forward to it. (Holiday this time).

I wouldn't worry too much about the current situation. The curfew is now being relaxed, running from 00.01 to 04.00. Clever money is on a complete removal of restrictions within the next 2 weeks. (Although, speaking to one friend, it's been business as usual on a lot of the main island resorts).

Exchange rate changes mean you're now getting about 10% more THB for you £, so very good value. Hotel occupancy very low, as many Chinese / Asian tourists have cancelled, so very good deals to be had.

Enjoy! It's an amazing place!

Re: Thailand : Thu May 29, 2014 9:26 pm  

Tesco Lotus are brilliant! Went to the one near On Nut BTS Station and some of the surreal stuff in there you could buy was fascinating

Re: Thailand : Fri May 30, 2014 10:10 am  

Lawrie L wrote:

Tesco Lotus are brilliant! Went to the one near On Nut BTS Station and some of the surreal stuff in there you could buy was fascinating

Yeah, the product range is pretty interesting!
You should see some of the stuff we range in our China and South Korea stores if you want surreal!

Re: Thailand : Fri May 30, 2014 1:58 pm  

Sounds interesting may have to have a look around these shops.
I always like to have a look around the fish markets you get some strange species in them. Is there one In Bangkok ?

Re: Thailand : Sat May 31, 2014 9:35 pm  

Best and most diverse market is in Chinatown. We'll worth a visit. Pretty much every neighbourhood has it's own "wet market", where you can spend hours and hours browsing.
If you find yourself with a couple of hours to spare, try and get to Talaad Thai (translated as Thai Market). It's the largest wholesale fruit, veg and produce market in South East Asia. 200,000 people and 60,000 vehicles pass through every day.
The weekend market at JJs is worth a visit to, at the end if the BTS line. They sell everything, including fighting cocks!!