State of Emergency lifted in Bangkok
March 19, 2014 – 12:48 am
As the situation in Bangkok has improved and continues to remain calm and generally peaceful, the caretaker government has announced the end of the State of Emergency in Bangkok and vicinities, which will now be downgraded to what is known as Internal Security Act (ISA) from Wednesday 19 March. The ISA is still needed to maintain law and order during the senate election on 30 March and the reruns of the general election, expected in April.
The removal of the state of emergency reflects on the overall situation within the capital and surrounding provinces which is now calm. Bangkok is now functioning pretty much as normal and people are going about their daily routines without hindrance.
While the above information is good news and a step in the right direction, we must still be cautious as two protest sites still remain active: Lumpini (Silom) and Pan Fah Bridge. It is anticipated that these protest sites will remain peaceful, but still advise visitors to avoid any areas of demonstrations, especially in the evening, as sporadic incidents and outbreaks of violence may occur without warning.
All areas outside Bangkok and other tourist destinations within Thailand, including Phuket, Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Chiang Mai remain unaffected by the demonstrations. These out-of-Bangkok areas also fall outside the jurisdiction of this State of Emergency.
