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Thailand election to go ahead despite protest threat

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Additional police will be deployed in Bangkok on Sunday to coincide with general elections in Thailand.

The elections will go ahead as planned on February 2, despite threats of protests and an opposition boycott.

An increase in traffic congestion is expected due to various roadblocks as a result of ongoing anti-government demonstrations.

This might have an effect on tourist transfer services, according to Bangkok-based Diethelm Travel.

The company advised that tourists should avoid being within close vicinity of demonstration sites at Pathumwan crossing, Rajaprasong crossing, Sala Daeng/Lumpini crossing, Asok and Latphrao intersection, Victory Monument roundabout and all polling stations.

Anti-government protesters, who have rejected the election, obstructed large numbers of polling stations last weekend, preventing early voting from taking place.

Diethelm group managing director of sales and marketing James Ramage said: “The main temples, museums and Grand Palace are all located far away in the old part of town, near the river.

“From the start of the demonstrations we have not had to cancel any tour or excursion in town and no real inconvenience to our guests was experienced. All airports within Thailand are operating as normal.”

However, he said the company will continue to monitor the situation.

A state of emergency is in place as the authorities struggle to cope with unrest.

Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Thawatchai Arunyik said that while it cannot be denied that some major parts of Bangkok are facing transport and traffic disruptions due to the ongoing political protests, visitors can still have a “perfectly good time” in the provinces.

He told the Asean Tourism Forum earlier this week in Malaysia: “Travel trade buyers see the evolving political situation as a temporary phenomena.

“There is tremendous sympathy and support for the ordinary Thai people, especially the many rank-and-file people who work in it.

“I was very encouraged by the feedback from everyone that once everything returns to normal, Thailand will back in full strength.”

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