Thailand's military has seized power from Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a bloodless late-night coup, imposing martial law in what they said was a bid to unite the nation after months of political turmoil.
Tanks and heavily-armed troops -- many wearing yellow scarves to show their allegiance to Thailand's revered king -- surrounded Thaksin's office or stood guard at key points throughout the capital of Bangkok.
Bangkok's notoriously congested streets are unusually quiet and commuter trains empty, as heavily-armed Thai soldiers wearing yellow sashes patrolled key intersections.
Beyond the presence of the troops -- sporting yellow out of loyalty to King Bhumibol Adulyadej -- and tanks posted outside government sites, there were few other signs the country has suffered its first military takeover in 15 years.
2006-09-20 14:49:31 · 21 answers · asked by Von 1 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Thailand
no
2006-09-20 16:09:58 · answer #1 · answered by victimised 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very safe.
There has been a peaceful takeover, which has been supported by the King.
The King is so respeceted that nobody would ever argue with his word.
So Thailand is now safer than it was before the coup.
There is no problem. This is good for Thailand. Here's a letter from Thailand today
'When my wife finally stopped singing and dancing around with our son at 7.45am this morning, she shouted out "Damn good!"
a) few people outside Thailand really know how Taksin has so cleverly usurped, benefitted from financial corruption instead of tackling it, bought up enormous tracts of his own country in areas of future development, bought foreign homes while barring foreigners from doing the same here, sued every major media outlet that criticised him and done NOTHING for the poor, and especially the hilltribes. Smiled at foreigners while restricting visas even further and pursuing policies which may ultimately be seen to be xenophobic. Full of promises and no delivery. Even his home city Chiangmai has waited a year in vain for his promised 53m baht to tackle flooding.
b) yes, he was democratically elected. The second time. Like another western premier we could name. At the first one he bought his way in with the "million baht per village" offer. That turned out to be a loan, not a gift of course, but it did the trick. Literally!
c) In my personal view this bloodless coup would not have taken place so smoothly, if at all, without the tacit consent of His Majesty. Maybe the writing was on the wall days ago? It is reported that Taksin took his whole family to the UN conference - unprecedented.
d) Dancing in the streets? Well there should be wherever thinking people are to be found (ie mainly in Bangkok). What we have in the streets here are lots of armoured personnel carriers and soldiers with rifles slung, looking a little bored and confused. But they don't mind having their photos taken as I proved on the way into the office this morning. Not allowed to talk, though, and many don't know what is happening.
e) Next? One of many responsible comments by General Sonthi was that the army would not hang on to power for very long. A coalition government, maybe with the promising young Democrat Abhisit to the fore, could be great!
f) We live in quite exciting times, but feel totally safe and very curious about the spin-off effects. Prayerfully this can only be good for Thailand!'
2006-09-20 17:37:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friend is in Thailand now. The situation seems calm although there are arm soldier and tanks everywhere. However, it is not a good times to go the Thailand due to uncertainty. If you are going for holiday, maybe postpone to later time or go to other country. No point taking any risk.
2006-09-20 15:07:00 · answer #3 · answered by Raymond Z 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh, c'mon, guys, what's wrong with u? past 36 hours I'm answering the same question again and again. YES, IT IS SAFE!
Nothing is going on! Nobody was killed or injured! People r happy, tourists r having their fun and care a damn abt the coup. Foreign press just loves creating sensational news out of nothing.
Just chill.
2006-09-20 17:09:37 · answer #4 · answered by Lana 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nowadays, you never know when or where a natural disaster, bomb, coup or riot will take place.
If your heart desires, then GO but exercise great care and stay vigilant when you are in the country. Usually, some common sense will do... and stay CALM in time of crisis.
2006-09-20 20:53:20 · answer #5 · answered by Believe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maximum in all risk confident. the priority is attempt your best to not positioned on much less outfits purely via fact it is warm. positioned on a T-shirt(not WHITE). And be careful in Taxi. do not bypass any the place at night extraordinarily shuttle by potential of taxi. Taxi is the priority. evade shuttle by potential of taxi at night. do not bypass everywhere at night on my own. If u would desire to stay the place many human beings walk by potential of. those are by potential of concepts. Have a brilliant holiday. do not approximately Cambodia and Vietnam.
2016-12-18 14:01:38 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is rather safe. Just don't join any large crowds and don't go to any political gatherings. Always have your passport or ID with you. Stay away from any possible disputes or fights.
I live in Bangkok!
2006-09-20 15:33:38 · answer #7 · answered by Kanda 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, it is their 18th coup it is supported by the King.
It isn't a break down in order at all, life will just go on, if i was going on a holiday there i would still go, nothing to do with foreigners, no one will die no one will get hurt.
2006-09-20 19:29:25 · answer #8 · answered by brinlarrr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just do it!
2006-09-21 09:12:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok
2006-09-21 08:54:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok
2006-09-21 07:20:23 · answer #11 · answered by criminalsinsingapore 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋