IF you have a loved one in Thailand or are headed to the politically tumultuous country in the next few weeks, here's a round-up of tips for staying safe.
First, it's important to know the areas to avoid - political hotspots identified as important demonstration sites in the run-up to the national election on Feb 2.
The areas include: Asok-Sukhumvit, Pathumwan, Lumpini, Victory Monument, Ratchaprasong, Lat Prao, Silom, and the Chaeng Wattana Government Complex.
Instead, Condé Nast Traveler suggests spending time in unaffected parts of the country such as Chiang Mai, Krabi and Phuket, all popular tourist destinations.
Likewise, in Bangkok choose hotels on the river like the Mandarin Oriental, the Peninsula or the Shangri-La - should the roads shut down, travelers can still get to the airport by boat, the magazine notes.
A good rule of thumb for travel in any politically unstable country is to book a hotel that offers in-room TVs and Wi-Fi so that guests can monitor developments of any outbreaks and clashes.
Meanwhile, The Bangkok Post reports that luxury hotels in the affected areas are offering steep discounts of up to 40% for Thais attending the rallies.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, for instance, has launched a "Shutdown Bangkok Promotion" package until Jan 19, offering free internet, breakfast, laundry and reduced room rates.
Other hotels that have slashed prices include the Four Seasons and the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok.
The US Embassy recommends that US citizens traveling to or living in Thailand enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for the latest security updates and to make it easier for the US consulate or embassy to contact citizens in the case of an emergency. Visit www.Travel.State.Gov for more details.
The Canadian embassy meanwhile has moved to the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit during the demonstrations.
And finally, Thai authorities have set up a Tourist's Friend Center located at the Sport Authority of Thailand in the Bangkapi district of Bangkok, with branches and desks in Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, four BTS Skytrain stations (Siam, Phya Thai, Ekkamai and Wong Wian Yai) and Hua Lamphong MRT station. – AFP Relaxnews
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