Holidays and travelling to Thailand
Joan Scales
The bloodless coup d’etat in Thailand on Thursday has so far meant little disruption for visitors apart from the curfew at 10pm. Thailand Tourism is keen to stress that it is business as usual for the $35 billion industry.
Airlines are all still operating, boats are running, hotels are open and visitors should not need to cut short or cancel holidays. The curfew has meant that traffic in the city is very heavy and restaurants, bars and entertainment are closing early to allow staff to get home before the curfew.
It is expected that the curfew will be adjusted in the next few days, changing the hours from midnight – 4.00am and eventually be lifted completely. Television channels are expected to be back on air in the next day or so.
Tourists already in Thailand can continue their holidays as usual however restaurants, bars and attractions will close earlier and in some cases not open at all.
You can travel to and from the airports during curfew hours by showing passports and travel documents. Passengers should allow at least three hours for check-in. Bangkok International Don Mueang Airport has opened lounges for passengers who would prefer not to travel during curfew times.
All the major international airlines that fly to Thailand have waived rebooking charges up to May 29-30 for passengers who wish to change or rebook travel dates. See individual airline websites for exact details. Unless flights/holidays are cancelled completely you will not be entitled to a refund on your travel insurance.
Travel agents and tour operators in Ireland have reported very few inquiries about the situation, probably because May and June are low season months.
News will updated regularly on the Thailand Tourism website,tatnews.org.
Joan Scales
The bloodless coup d’etat in Thailand on Thursday has so far meant little disruption for visitors apart from the curfew at 10pm. Thailand Tourism is keen to stress that it is business as usual for the $35 billion industry.
Airlines are all still operating, boats are running, hotels are open and visitors should not need to cut short or cancel holidays. The curfew has meant that traffic in the city is very heavy and restaurants, bars and entertainment are closing early to allow staff to get home before the curfew.
It is expected that the curfew will be adjusted in the next few days, changing the hours from midnight – 4.00am and eventually be lifted completely. Television channels are expected to be back on air in the next day or so.
Tourists already in Thailand can continue their holidays as usual however restaurants, bars and attractions will close earlier and in some cases not open at all.
You can travel to and from the airports during curfew hours by showing passports and travel documents. Passengers should allow at least three hours for check-in. Bangkok International Don Mueang Airport has opened lounges for passengers who would prefer not to travel during curfew times.
All the major international airlines that fly to Thailand have waived rebooking charges up to May 29-30 for passengers who wish to change or rebook travel dates. See individual airline websites for exact details. Unless flights/holidays are cancelled completely you will not be entitled to a refund on your travel insurance.
Travel agents and tour operators in Ireland have reported very few inquiries about the situation, probably because May and June are low season months.
News will updated regularly on the Thailand Tourism website,tatnews.org.
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