Guest whall Posted June 17, 2017 Posted June 17, 2017 I don't think anyone posted about this. BKK will be crazy crowded during the above dates. Might want to think to avoid Bangkok during the above dates. It's making me rethink my dates. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/2017/06/02/thai-travel-advisory-october-2017/ Why you should head to the beaches and countryside in Thailand in October and steer clear of Bangkok October in Thailand sees the end of the rainy season and usually heralds the start of the country’s tourist influx. The famous Thai welcome to visitors will still be there, but this year tourists are being advised to stay away from Bangkok for certain dates in October, during the cremation of the late King. The country’s tourism minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangul has issued an official Thai travel advisory for 25-29 October 2017, suggesting visitors should aim to be at beaches and other destinations in the north and south of the country instead of Bangkok. October 26 is the day of the ceremony itself and has been declared a national holiday. “Thailand still welcomes tourists for all activities as well as conferences and seminars which will continue as usual” she told the Nation. “However to avoid traffic congestion during the royal cremation period in late October foreign tourists should travel outside of the capital if possible.” Certain tourist attractions that are near the cremation site will also be closed for the week and festivals will also be cancelled as a mark of respect. Further specific information will be released closer to the time to allow visitors to plan their visit accordingly and will include alternative recommendations for activities. The advisory is not mandatory and tourists will still be allowed explore Bangkok during this time period if they choose, but they should expect delays. In addition, they are requested to dress appropriately and behave politely during this period. Why is the Thai monarchy so popular?When King Bhumibol Adulyadej died last October, the streets of Thailand virtually shut down in mourning. The late monarch’s popularity was undeniable. Having reigned for six decades, he was seen as a reassuring figure as the country underwent huge economic and political upheaval. He also made a huge effort during the early years of his reign to travel the nation, often meeting the very poorest people in rural areas. A genuine, public affection for the late king is obvious throughout Thailand, but there are also strict laws in place which make it illegal to insult, defame or threaten members of the royal family. The laws are the strictest in the world and punishment can be up to fifteen years imprisonment. In a famously relaxed country, travellers are always warned to avoid any criticism of the monarchy while in Thailand. The new King Vajiralongkorn has been in power since December and so far, appears to have failed to capture the public’s imagination like his father. He has passed new laws which allow him to spend more time abroad and appoint a regent in his place for periods of time, as well as strengthened the power of the monarchy. Quote
Londoner Posted June 18, 2017 Posted June 18, 2017 Good advice...though most of us have to go to Bangkok first. I suspect that there will be bar closures during that period all over the country. I don't know whether this is replicated across the board in Bangkok, but Tarntawan has raised its prices during October....from about 2500 to nearer 4000 bht pn, approximately. Perhaps it's co-incidence. And these new prices pertain on Agoda et al. Quote
Guest samebb Posted June 18, 2017 Posted June 18, 2017 Great advice. I think I will be heading down to Pattaya or something on these dates. Quote
rollingstone Posted June 18, 2017 Posted June 18, 2017 Hmmm ... will the bars not close during this period? I've got to avoid Thailand altogether. Quote
gerefan Posted June 30, 2017 Posted June 30, 2017 I bet nothing will be decided about the bars until the last minute. TiT If it was me I would avoid Thailand all together for this period. vinapu 1 Quote
Guest samebb Posted June 30, 2017 Posted June 30, 2017 I bet nothing will be decided about the bars until the last minute. TiT If it was me I would avoid Thailand all together for this period. Some of us live here. I would rather be in pattaya. If bars are closed I can just use LINE to meet my special twinks Quote
gerefan Posted June 30, 2017 Posted June 30, 2017 Maybe samebb, but my remark was aimed at visitors! Quote
bucknaway Posted June 30, 2017 Posted June 30, 2017 I was in thailand last year when everything was closed and dark. It was still fun and I saved a lot of money on drinks and had great sex. I'll be there in october for sure. The tickets a purchased and the rooms rented. Quote
steveboy Posted June 30, 2017 Posted June 30, 2017 Maybe all people in Thailand should remain chaste in October as an act of respect for their King? Quote
vinapu Posted June 30, 2017 Posted June 30, 2017 I'll be there in october for sure. The tickets a purchased and the rooms rented. and you will let us know how it went ? bucknaway 1 Quote
vinapu Posted June 30, 2017 Posted June 30, 2017 Maybe all people in Thailand should remain chaste in October as an act of respect for their King? it's Ok, I will be home LOL Quote
Guest Homoskater Posted July 1, 2017 Posted July 1, 2017 Good to know! I'm planning my first trip to Thailand for a 10day visit on the 30th October. Should I go to Pattaya first and then Bangkok for the second half of the holiday? Quote
vinapu Posted July 1, 2017 Posted July 1, 2017 Good to know! I'm planning my first trip to Thailand for a 10day visit on the 30th October. Should I go to Pattaya first and then Bangkok for the second half of the holiday? On Oct 30th it will be all over. Not sure others agree but I'd not start my first visit in Thailand with Pattaya, go to Bangkok first as it gives you better grip of country than essentially provincial backwater with pockets of great entertainment Pattaya is. forky123 and Jasper 2 Quote
bucknaway Posted July 1, 2017 Posted July 1, 2017 On this trip I'm going to stay my first night in bangkok, fly to phuket in the morning and stay for 4 days, fly to chiang mai and stay 3 days, fly to bangkok and take a car to pattaya and stay 7 days and head back to bangkok till I fly back home. Alexx 1 Quote
Guest samebb Posted July 1, 2017 Posted July 1, 2017 Maybe samebb, but my remark was aimed at visitors! Then when you visit get LINE IDs ... Quote
forky123 Posted July 1, 2017 Posted July 1, 2017 Like Vinapu, I always found Bangkok first was better for me. It probably depends how much sight seeing you plan on doing during the day. I always found after 4 or 5 days in Bangkok that I was ready for a more chill time in Pattaya. Also, I tend to spend a lot more in Bangkok than Pattaya so My budget always works better that way. Each to their own though. I have, on occasion done Bangkok -Pattaya - Bangkok and that works well too. Quote
vinapu Posted July 1, 2017 Posted July 1, 2017 Like Vinapu, I always found Bangkok first was better for me while we both agree on this my advice was directed at first timers as I think Bangkok is better introduction to Thailand's charms including gay hunting grounds. Quote
Guest Homoskater Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 On Oct 30th it will be all over. Not sure others agree but I'd not start my first visit in Thailand with Pattaya, go to Bangkok first as it gives you better grip of country than essentially provincial backwater with pockets of great entertainment Pattaya is. Sweet, makes sense. I can't wait to explore these gay hunting grounds Quote
Guest samebb Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 Sweet, makes sense. I can't wait to explore these gay hunting grounds But remember.. the boys will be hunting you.. and your wallet! haha Quote
steveboy Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 But remember.. the boys will be hunting you.. and your wallet! haha All those large stacks of baht bills take the "hunting" out of gay sex tourism. Authentic hunting is reserved for gay saunas and cruising places. Quote
forky123 Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 No, it just may change who is doing the hunting. vinapu 1 Quote
Guest Homoskater Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 But remember.. the boys will be hunting you.. and your wallet! haha Oh yeah true. I'll be the prey. *stuffs wallet with cash* yep, ready to be hunted down by hot thai guys Quote