Bangkok Shutdown 2014: Bangkok Protest on the Ground. A Tourist View.

I can’t  say I understand all of the ins and outs of the protest here in Bangkok and what led to the Bangkok Shutdown. News outlets have done more than enough (good and bad) presenting both sides of the conflict to audiences. I’m approaching this piece from the view of a tourist, fan of Bangkok, and human. I don’t pick a side in this conflict but will tell you what I’ve seen after a month in Bangkok  and week since this “Shutdown” started.

“Getting around is largely unaffected by the Bangkok Shutdown”

Traveling in Bangkok can be quite a chore when there aren’t political protest. It’s interesting to say but the Bangkok Shutown has made it a bit easier for tourist to get around. For example, going from Siam Paragon to MBK. With the roads closed you can walk directly from one to another without dodging traffic or weaving through touts. The BTS is still the primary form of transportation throughout the city and hasn’t been affected at all by the protest. Some areas are a bit busier due to an influx of protestors using the system. I noticed more crowding on the BTS leading up to the shutdown than after. Taxis and tuk tuks know how to get around the protest. Honestly, getting around the city for me has largely been unaffected by the protest. Simply plan ahead and add a bit of extra time. Silom, Asok and the Ratchprasong intersections are the largest affected areas that tourist will really notice.

“Danger is a bit overstated”

521 people have been injured since the Bangkok protest started in October. Nine have died including one man in a bombing Friday on a Bangkok Shutdown location I was supposed to be at. An unidentified assailant threw a grenade from a window at protestors. It landed down the street from where I was and yards away from another tourist friend of mine. He was unharmed but very well could have been.

That attack put this protest into context for myself and several other tourist. There is real danger at these points. Many people on both sides of this issue have a lot to gain/loss and some will go to any lengths to ensure victory. Tourist ARE NOT being targeted in anyway but may be caught in the cross fire. I actually had no plans to attend the protest at all. I just wanted to shop and work on my new guide. I literally walked out of Siam and there I was. BUT  some people are going to the protest as tourist attractions. DON’T. Although they have been largely safe these things can quickly turn.

BANGKOK IS SAFE. Bangkok Shutdown locations, not so much. If tourist decide to venture over to these protest sites be careful and understand the volatile nature of political protest.

“The Thai people are classy as ever”

I have a great affection for Thai people and culture. It saddens me to see this happening in my favorite Asian city but it makes me proud to see the manner in which it’s being handle. Especially given the current turmoil in Cambodia and Ukraine. If I’m being totally honest, these protest feel more like a music festival than a conflict. Complete with musicians, vendors, and food stands EVERYWHERE.

I’m well aware of the dangers but when you’re actually at the protest you don’t feel any real concern. It’s easy to get sucked in. I met dozens of people and all were in high spirits, welcoming, and enthusiastic to tell their story. Many of these people are middle class and blue collar workers standing for what they believe is right. Most aren’t destroying the city. Using physical violence or taking any kind of aggressive stance. More than I can say for protest in the U.S.

Even in the worst of times, Thai people continue to maintain their class and dignity which isn’t at all a surprise to me. The Bangkok Shutdown did achieve one goal for me. It proved that people can actively disagree with their government in a relatively peaceful manner in today’s world.

“Western media representation of the Bangkok Shutdown is ridiculous”

Once again the media has sensationalized this story. I’m getting messages from friends, family, and media fearing for my safety. Listening to some news reports you would think Bangkok is on fire. Heck I was a bit confused about where they were talking about when I was sent some reports. Tourist will stumble upon protest sites but can EASILY avoid them entirely if they chose. I went two days exploring the city without seeing one. If you end up in a protest site it’s because you chose to be there.

I have a deep distrust of western media outlets because of this very thing which inspired this post. Bangkok as a city is largely unaffected by the protest. If tourist stay away from the protest they will largely not even know it’s happening here. Bangkok is safe and open for business. If you have plans to come keep an eye on the independent reports coming out of Bangkok and plan accordingly. If Bangkok is merely a stopover on your way elsewhere in the region or country then proceed as usual.

For up to date/minute information check out Richard Barrow. One of the few people I would trust on this subject.