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Life in Thailand continues as normal despite the imposition of martial law, the country’s tourism authority insists.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand issued an update on the situation in the country as it was reported that army chief General Prayuth Chan-Ocha asked to meet the government, the Senate speaker and the two main political protest factions.
This came after acting prime minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan appealed to the army to act peacefully following martial law being declared in the early hours of Tuesday.
He also said he had asked for new elections to be called for August, after a snap poll in February was annulled.
TAT said: “According to the army statement, this is not a coup, but a means to restore peace and order for people from all sides, and that the public should not panic and to live their lives as normal.
“There is currently no curfew in place in Bangkok or any other tourist destinations in Thailand. Local residents and international visitors can continue to travel within Bangkok and other destinations in the country as usual.
“However, air passengers with flights depart out of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang international airports are advised to allocate at least 3-4 hours prior to their scheduled flight departure time to avoid heavy traffic on certain roads.
“Despite traffic disruptions on certain roads in some small parts of Bangkok due to the current political demonstrations and the army’s movements, life in the most parts of the Thai capital and throughout Thailand continues as usual.
“All public transport and tourist attractions, including airports, tourist sites and shopping malls, are currently open and operating normally.”
TAT added that it was closely monitoring the situation, “and would like to inform tourists and the tourism industry that all concerned public and private agencies will exercise utmost efforts to ensure tourist’s convenience”.
However, the tourist authority added: “Tourists visiting the kingdom are advised to be vigilant and avoid rally sites and demonstration marches, as well as areas where crowds may gather.
“Roads in Bangkok’s areas where the protests are taking place may experience heavy traffic or a temporary closure due to large crowds gathering and blockage of traffic lane by the protesters’ rally activities.”
All major tourist attractions in the Thai capital, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn, are open as normal.
Tourists can visit all attractions using the usual means of transport, including buses, vans and car transfers by tour companies, taxis, the Skytrain, the subway or the boat and ferry service, TAT said.