Answered6 years ago
How safe is it for expats in Bangkok during the current protests?
I'm in the middle of getting work Visa there but with the protests growing each day...
How do you guys feel about the civil unrest? My friend that lives in BKK said it will escalate even more. I imagine it will become like Hong Kong protesters... Not going to be fun going there if this spreads to other city/provinces.
How do you guys feel about the civil unrest? My friend that lives in BKK said it will escalate even more. I imagine it will become like Hong Kong protesters... Not going to be fun going there if this spreads to other city/provinces.
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around concerns regarding the ongoing protests in Thailand and their impact on expats, especially those obtaining work visas. Community members generally advise that if expats avoid protest areas, they should be safe. The protests, while notable, are localized and have historically not spread broadly throughout Bangkok or to other provinces. The sentiment suggests that expats can continue with their lives, provided they remain aware of their surroundings and steer clear of protest zones.
23 repliesnewest first
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Kool *******
You won't have any problems, as all the protests are in limited areas, and Bangkok is a huge city. Many other Thai cities are not even noticably affected. I was in close proximity of the 2010 riots, the 2014 demonstrations, and these. The areas affected are very small in relation to Bangkok, and Thailand as a whole.
Stephen ********
Even with the ongoing protests bath still going strong 🤷
Ezmerelda ********
Thailand IS NOT an insane asylum like the USA. They do not loot, burn shoot like the crazed Americans. Just don't stick your nose into Thai politics and live your life quietly......
Michael *********
Many protesters came prepared with umbrellas and raincoats too.
Either they had paid attention to Hong Kong or did their research well.
I wish them all the best, knowing they will survive the accidental tourist.
Either they had paid attention to Hong Kong or did their research well.
I wish them all the best, knowing they will survive the accidental tourist.
Gary **********
I've been in two cues while ive living here .been through the tsunami for real .seen riots twice ..it's always in BKK never spread any where else so you will be ok
Sua ********
OP@Gary *********
wow that's amazing... Mind if I ask where you stayed during these years that's relatively safe?Gary **********
@Sua *******
I live in Phuket. A little place called rawai ..
Andrew ********
Already spreading
Frank ******
Happens every 9-10 years on regular basis
Roy ***********
Thai riots seem to be different from some other countries. They do not spread throughout the whole country, even only a small part of Bangkok was affected last time. Thai protesters also seem to have more respect for other people and their belongings.
I believe it is easy to stay away from trouble in Bangkok.
I believe it is easy to stay away from trouble in Bangkok.
Michael *********
Liubimtsev Serg
I agree it is "disrespect".
Now, you can redeem yourself by blaming the party that operates the aforementioned transport systems,
I agree it is "disrespect".
Now, you can redeem yourself by blaming the party that operates the aforementioned transport systems,
Frank ******
@Roy **********
not in2010Sua ********
OP@Roy **********
that's good to hear... Hong Kong was turned into hell...
John *****
If u got job just come. Its not a problem, just stay away from it.
Paul *******
BKK is 1,568.7 square kilometres in size. So a mob of people in 1 or 2 streets certainly wouldn't make me avoid BKK.. Although it might be smart to know where it's all going on and avoid those few streets. This sort of things happens here once every few years.. The government will allow these students some freedom of speech. And some room to let off some steam. And then when the government has had enough of it, they will go in heavy handed and put an end to it all very quickly. .
Edd ********
@Paul ******
Not this time, according to what family are telling me. Not just BKK this time.
Many Country areas are unhappy with their Government.
Steve **********
@Paul ******
What is happening in this protest is they are using the HK model where they spread throughout the city and there is no identifiable leaders to negotiate with. Ultimately, it will probably fizzle out, but will take awhile.
Scott **********
Others have given you good advice. The only thing I would add is to keep your eyes and ears open to ensure you do not run into a protest site by accident.
Richard *****
Its all fun embeace it
Richard *****
@Richard ****
embrace
Oliver ********
I've lived through a few big protests/riots in Bangkok and one in London. The latter was the scariest.
Oliver ********
This happens every few years in Thailand; it's become like their informal equivalent of a general election. You won't be affected unless you live or work in the small areas where the protests are active, or join in, or just happen to be passing by when the authorities lose their patience and start firing.
Suchira *************
If you get work permit, just come. As long as you don't go to join in a protest, you won't know what happens in Thailand. Just live your life.
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