Emergency ends at Bangkok in Thailand

The caretaker government has lifted the 12-day state of emergency in Bangkok, effective immediately.

Temporary prime minister Somchai Wongsawat make the announcement on Sunday morning, with Army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda and police chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan, the co-commanders of security forces during the brief emergency.


The press conference was held at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters.


Mr Somchai, who currently is the favourite to be named as permanent prime minister by parliament on Wednesday, said he would like all sides to reconcile as a present for His Majesty the King.


He called on the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to stop protesting at Government House because the government is concerned for the demonstrators. The PAD earlier rejected all calls to stop their protest and occupation of Government House.


According to the caretaker premier, the emergency decree in Bangkok has created a negative image, with the House of Representatives scheduled to vote for a new prime minister this week.


Mr Somchai refused to rule out using the emergency decree again if necessary.


On Sept 2, then-premier Samak Sundaravej declared a state of emergency in the capital region, following violent clashes between the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), resulting in the death of a government supporter and dozens of injuries.



The decision to lift the emergency was made at a Saturday night meeting between Mr Somchai and Army chief Gen Anupong.


They agreed the state of emergency was merely damaging the country, and the political situation was under control.

Bangkok Security Notice for Tourists

For over 3 months of a mass demonstration by the People's Alliance for Democracy, Thailand has experienced some damage in its economic and tourism sectors. Although certain areas of Bangkok are affected by the street protest, downtown Bangkok such as business and entertainment areas of Silom, Sathorn, Sukhumvit, Siam Square, Pratunam and Petchburi are still fully accessible including all retail shops, shopping centers, restaurants, banks, embassies, office buildings. Bangkok Sky Train (BTS), Underground train (MRT) networks, Taxi and Bus services are still in operation.

For capital's major attractions, the Thonburi side of town featuring Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Rakang is not affected by the protest, so sightseeing and tours can be arranged as normal. At this moment, the Grand Palace, the Temple of Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho are all accessible, but tourists should take caution before visiting the historic district and update with local media whether or not the protestors would use Sanam Luang field in front of the Palace to hold further gatherings.

However, tourists should avoid the affected areas including some parts of Bangkok Rattanakosin Island, the Government House, the United Nation Building area (Makawan Rangsan Bridge) and Ratchadamnoen Road. Some local banks, including Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai Bank and Siam Commercial Bank, closed all their branches around Ratchadamnoen Road for fear of violence in the area.



Thailand Airports
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport operates as normal. So far there is no report of International flight cancellations or reductions with increased level of security. Domestic Flight operations through Phuket and Krabi airports are still operating according to schedules and same for other destinations. Future closure of the Southern airports by the anti-government group may be possible, but should only take a day or two at most to re-open.

Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia and Nok Air cancelled some flights out of Hat Yai International Airport where the protesters blocked the entrances and forced the airport to close again. Visitors travelling to Hat Yai for business or holiday should postpone their travel schedule till further notice.