Study in Thailand amid the political unrest?
Nov 16, 2011
A series of explosions in the Saladaeng area of Bangkok CBD early last night is reported to have killed at least one person and injured around 75.
23 April 2010
The explosions followed rising tensions in the stand-off between police and opposition Red shirts demonstrators in the city. Television images showed a chaotic scene with ambulances streaming into the area and panicked residents helping to carry the injured to safety. Blood was splattered across pavements and office windows were smashed. Two foreigners were believed to be among the injured (www.bbc.co.uk). Following these incidents the BTS sky train station Saladaeng and the Silom line was closed in the evening. Today it is announced that all BTS lines will be closed at 18.00 PM.
The Red shirts demonstrators were concentrated at the Ratchaprasong junction, part of the major Shopping and Business District, including shopping malls like Central World and Siam Paragon since few weeks ago. A large number of gaping soldiers are in and around Silom Road starting from few days ago since the Red Shirts have announced demonstration areas to be expanded. It has been recommended to avoid Saladaeng area.
Until now it is not yet determined who was responsible for the explosions in the Saladaeng area.
On April 10, the demonstrations in Bangkok had violent confrontations with police and army escort. It resulted in 25 deaths and hundreds injured. The Dutch Embassy Bangkok advises that extreme vigilance is needed, particularly in the vicinity of buildings of the government and the army and in places where demonstrations take place. As long as violent clashes continue, travelers are advised to minimize their travel in Bangkok and closely follow English language news (References and External links www.nationmultimedia.com , www.bangkokpost.com, www.bbc.co.uk , www.channelnewsasia.com , www.cnn.com ). It is also important to note that the government has closed down different media channels of the Red shirts, for example, People Channel, and Truth Today, therefore makes it more difficult to receive unbiased news. Internet sites of the oppositions are also closed by the government. According to the English daily the Nation of today (23-04-10), 36 sites are closed and 190 sites are blocked.
Currently, business trips and tourist visits from abroad have been cancelled. It will be a good decision to postpone planned visits unless it is urgent and not in the Center of the city. For additional updates, please visit the site of the Netherlands Embassy in Bangkok: http://www.netherlandsembassy.in.th