Reply to Travel Forum Guest: Nobody can say what the outcome will be. Yes, there's talk of an October referendum, there's also talk of a military coup any day now (see today's Bangkok Post) All I can tell you is what I would do. If I was planning a trip to Thailand I would still come. I wouldn't spend much time in BKK and I wouldn't go near the demonstrations or any rallies. I would leave BKK as soon as possible for some relaxing holiday destination (bearing in mind that Oct is wet season in the South) and if I had people waiting for me back home (like a wife or a job) I would tell them there's a possibility my flight home could be delayed due to disruptions, and I would be prepared for this.
I went to Laos last month and it's a very peaceful gentle country. If there are any troubles there I failed to detect anything. Cambodia is a strange country, there's still a heavy atmosphere that I dislike. Warts & all Thailand is the best SE Asian holiday destination.

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You're only young once, but you can stay immature forever.

Bob Mac

Can you define the "heavy atmosphere" in Cambodia? Is it to do with everyone having to adhere to the government message? We are looking to include Cambodia on our next trip but don't like places with heavy political overtunes.

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Alison

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It's Better to Burn Out than just to Fade Away!

I dislike going to Cambodia, even just across the border for a few hours. I find the immigration officials dreadfully corrupt & devious. There's also a hint of madness with the locals (which is entirely understandable) Also I don't care for all the one-legged beggars (not their fault I know) & child beggars you see. I'm not judging anyone, just saying that these things are not to my liking.

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You're only young once, but you can stay immature forever.

Thanks Bob Mac.

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Alison

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It's Better to Burn Out than just to Fade Away!

Thanks again BobMac for your insights!
It looks like the courts have ruled that Samak has to step down in 30 days. I'm hoping this means that tensions will have eased for the duration of my trip, since there really doesn't seem to be a reason for a military coup or protest now (but then again I'm no political or social analyst). Then again being over there while a monumental change in government is happening might be risky too. In any case, I got my shots today, and I'm starting to think about packing my bags...

Yes, it looks like Samak has finally been beaten and is on his way out. I doubt if there will be any coup now, things should start to simmer down. Looks like the worst is over now. I'm booked on a flight out in 3 weeks time, so I don't want any disruptions either.

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You're only young once, but you can stay immature forever.

I'm not sure anything's over after reading today's Bangkok Post. The PPP party has stated they'll re-nominate Samak Sundaravej for leader. If he returns this Friday the demonstrations will resume with increased fury. However, if Samak is not returned then his likely replacement will be Somchai Wongsawat, the brother-in-law of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. One of PAD's main beefs was Samak Sundaravej was merely a proxy for Thaksin, then the same will apply when his bro-in-law is at the helm. Thaksin is still pulling the strings from London. It isn’t over yet; this is just a lull in the storm.

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You're only young once, but you can stay immature forever.

I'm inclined to agree with BobMac.
I think the demonstrators will be happy that the PM has had to step down and hotel manager says they're still demonstrating but in fewer numbers/more quietly.
But I think the leadup to the election might be interesting in that there may be increased activity by all factions during the campaign itself - maybe demonstrations, confrontations - who knows?

But if this party gets back in, I'd guess that there might be more unrest.

We have flights booked out of Bangkok for early October too so we hope that all remains calm.