Thailand Political Situation - TCEB Update 16 January 2014 at 14.00 (GMT+7)

The situation as of this morning remains largely unchanged with the anti-government demonstrations continue to take place at six downtown intersections – Pathumwan, Rajaprasong, Saladaeng, Lat Phrao, Asoke and the Victory Monument roundabout – and the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road in Bangkok. Although the atmosphere around the rally sites was peaceful, security has been stepped up to prevent ill-intentioned people from inciting violence.

Traffic is moving as per normal since roads and expressways in the most parts of Bangkok are not affected by the demonstrations. However, roads and some lanes at the rally sites remain closed to traffic while today’s marches by the anti-government demonstrators to different parts of Bangkok may also cause traffic disruptions at certain times.

Life in Bangkok and throughout Thailand continues as per normal. All major MICE venues and tourist attractions are open as per normal. Tourists can visit all attractions using the usual means of transport, including the bus, van and car transfer by tour companies, taxi, the skytrain, the subway or the boat and ferry service.

Businesses, MICE venues, tourist attractions and activities are open as usual. However, shopping venues in the rally areas may change their opening hours while some businesses may be closed. Telephone – landline and mobile – and Internet services continue to be available as per normal.

All airports in Bangkok and throughout the country are open and operating as per normal. Air passengers with flights depart out of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports are advised to allocate at least four hours prior to their scheduled flight departure time. Air passengers are also advised to check flight status prior to travelling.

To provide the best service possible during the current political situation, Suvarnabhumi Airport has prepared Airport Operation Center (AOPC), opened 24 hours daily, situated behind check-in counter row R, Departure Hall, 4th floor of the Passenger Terminal. Also Passenger Assistance Center (PAC), opened 24-hours daily,situated between Entrances 7 and 8, Arrival Hall, 2nd floor of the Passenger Terminal. Furthermore, passengers can contact Airport Information Counters available throughout the Passenger Terminal. Suvarnabhumi Airport also has foreign language interpreter/translator available in Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Korean to help passengers.

TCEB will keep you updated with the situation. Should you require any further information and assistance, please call TCEB office: +66 (0) 2694 6000, TCEB call center at 1105 (within Thailand only), visit www.tceb.or.th or contact info@tceb.or.th.

Useful contact numbers:

Tourism Authority of Thailand Call Centre 1672

Thai Traffic Police Call Centre 1197

Thai Tourist Police Call Centre 1155

Bangkok Tourism Division Call Centre +66 (0) 2225 7612-4

Ministry of Foreign Affairs +66 (0) 2203 4381-2

Department of Consular Affairs +66 (0) 23833402-4

Airports of Thailand Plc call center +66 (0) 2132 9996-7

Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (city bus service) Call Centre 1348

State Railway of Thailand Call Centre 1690

Transport Co., Ltd., (inter-provincial bus service) Call Centre 1490

Thai Airways International (THAI) Call Centre +66 (0) 2356 1111

Bangkok Airways Reservation Centre 1771

MRT Customer Relations Center +66 (0) 2624 5200

Emergency Call 1646, 1669