Following the security operation that has taken place today in Bangkok, the Thai authorities have imposed a curfew in the Thai capital from 20.00 to 06.00 local time. This morning’s security operation and the surrender of the red shirt leaders allowed the Thai authorities to clear most of the protest zone, but militant elements are providing armed resistance and have set light to a number of buildings including the Central World shopping mall and the Thai stock exchange building. The curfew will enable emergency services to tackle the fires and the military have already been given orders to shoot on sight anybody rioting or committing arson.
The curfew has also been extended to cover provinces surrounding Bangkok as well as areas of the north and north-east which have been traditional strongholds for the red shirts and Thaksin Shinawatra. In the main, the curfew outside of Bangkok appears to be a prudent precautionary measure rather than because of a direct threat, but during the day there have been some disturbances in various locations including Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Chiang Mai.
Travelling in Thailand During the Curfew
Inside Bangkok, it is likely that the curfew will be strictly enforced. In other areas of Thailand the curfew may or may not be enforced depending on local circumstances. Bangkok airport is still open as are all the roads leading to the airport. The Thai authorities have announced that if you are in Bangkok or any other part of Thailand and need to get to the airport (including regional airports within the provinces covered by the curfew), you are advised to have your passport and ticket to hand (or a print-out of your e-ticket or travel arrangements) so that they can be produced at any security check-points that may be in place along the route. Local reports suggest taxis are currently still running in Bangkok, but you should consult your hotel or guest-house for their assistance and advice.
Related Articles:
- Violence Not Finished Yet as Fires are Started in Bangkok
- Red Shirt Leaders Announce the Bangkok Protest is Over
- Key Red Shirt Leader To Surrender
- Thai Army Moves in on Protest Site
- Thailand’s Red Shirts, Yellow Shirts and Multi-Coloured Shirts
- Thaksin Vows to Fight On
- Supreme Court Seizes Part of Thaksin Fortune
- Red Shirts Schedule Bangkok Rally for March
- Who are the Yellow Shirts and Red Shirts?
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