Guest anonone Posted May 10, 2011 Posted May 10, 2011 Greetings. I have just learned that the election is now scheduled for July 3. I will be arriving in Thailand about this time and wondering what practical impact this will have on my trip. Outside of the normal "protests and demonstrations could occur at any time", will there be planned curfews / bar closings? Any perceived transportation issues getting from BKK to Pattaya? Any insight greatly appreciated. Quote
Bob Posted May 10, 2011 Posted May 10, 2011 I'm doubtful that you'll notice anything and any "insights" we'd provide would be pure speculation. But, with that in mind, I'd expect a coup within 7 days of any election where Peua Thai wins a majority of the seats. And, even if that happened, I'm doubtful (based on the ho-hum response of the populace to the last coup) it still would make any difference to any falang visiting the country. So, I'd be more concerned about the weather (and that shouldn't be any significant concern either). Quote
pong Posted May 10, 2011 Posted May 10, 2011 if you have been indeed there around other elections, you should have learnt. What seems to irritate most farang is the ban of alcohol-sell during electiondays (often also extra days, as by elections or whatever are held). Some bars then simply close, as they think noone would be interested in visiting. Sometimes there is a sudden rumour you HAVE to vote-as not to loose some benefit. As you can only do that in your hometown (where one is regisetred) suddenly all bargirls-and boys head for the Mochit and find a bus home. But this did not appear to happen a lot lately. (BTW-the rumour is false). What you mainly see are a growing nr of solemn placards on about any busstop, lantern, stake or other place with a ''dinosaur'' clad in some general or officer jacket with big nrs (voting means crossing out the right nr of list and person-these papers are usable for whatever ballot). ASs a farang you will not be able to take advantage of all those promised big handouts of red 100 notes. Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted May 10, 2011 Posted May 10, 2011 I've read that alcohol can not be served anywhere on Sat. 25 and Sun. 26 June and Sat. 2 and Sun 3 July. I seem to remember a previous election when even hotels could not serve alcohol in their bars - only in the rooms. Maybe someone can let us know if this is in fact true. Quote
KhorTose Posted May 10, 2011 Posted May 10, 2011 I think it is more like this, especially after the aftermath of a Pheu Thai win. At least for the generals and some sex tourist. That's great, it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, an aeroplane - Lenny Bruce is not afraid. Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn - world serves its own needs, regardless of your own needs. Feed it up a knock, speed, grunt no, strength no. Ladder structure clatter with fear of height, down height. Wire in a fire, represent the seven games in a government for hire and a combat site. Left her, wasn't coming in a hurry with the furies breathing down your neck. Team by team reporters baffled, trump, tethered crop. Look at that low plane! Fine then. Uh oh, overflow, population, common group, but it'll do. Save yourself, serve yourself. World serves its own needs, listen to your heart bleed. Tell me with the rapture and the reverent in the right - right. You vitriolic, patriotic, slam, fight, bright light, feeling pretty psyched. It's the end of the world as we know it. It's the end of the world as we know it. It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine. Quote
Guest anonone Posted May 11, 2011 Posted May 11, 2011 I've read that alcohol can not be served anywhere on Sat. 25 and Sun. 26 June and Sat. 2 and Sun 3 July. I seem to remember a previous election when even hotels could not serve alcohol in their bars - only in the rooms. Maybe someone can let us know if this is in fact true. Yes, this is the type of info I was inquiring about. Perhaps it is too soon to know for sure, but if anyone hears any official notice, i would be grateful if you could post the details. I have not been around for any previous election, so no firsthand knowledge. I am not really concerned about it, but will certainly put a different spin on my first couple of days in Pattaya. I certainly hope for peaceful outcome, and for what is best for people of Thailand, whatever that may be. Thanks. Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted May 11, 2011 Posted May 11, 2011 Well, the election shenanigans may just have started to get violent. Under a caption "Worse to Come" The Bangkok Post reports on the shooting yesterday of a former MP. Former Pheu Thai MP for Samut Prakan Pracha Prasopdee was shot last night in what is seen as the first election-related violence since the House dissolution on Monday. Mr Pracha was shot in the back at about 9pm in the Phra Pradaeng area while he was driving his Toyota Camry to Phra Samut Chedi district after helping a local politician campaign for the provincial administration election. Two men riding a motorcycle approached the right side of his car at Phra Pradaeng intersection and shot at him five times. The bullets hit his back and pierced his right shoulder while causing minor damage to the car. Mr Pracha was rushed to Bang Pakok1 Hospital. Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said Mr Pracha was in a safe condition. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/crimes/236374/shooting-of-ex-mp-may-signal-start-of-poll-violence Quote
Guest Yaya Posted May 11, 2011 Posted May 11, 2011 We have a call into the licensing department wait for clarification on closing dates (and there will be some), but not heard back. As soon as we hear, it will be posted. Following usual patterns, I believe Fountainhall's report on closing dates is accurate. Again, will post as soon as we hear officially. Quote
Guest anonone Posted May 12, 2011 Posted May 12, 2011 We have a call into the licensing department wait for clarification on closing dates (and there will be some), but not heard back. As soon as we hear, it will be posted. Following usual patterns, I believe Fountainhall's report on closing dates is accurate. Again, will post as soon as we hear officially. Thanks Ya. I am going to be very disappointed if I cannot follow tradition and head straight to YaYa's from the airport for my first drink. I might just have to find a late night volley ball game somewhere. Quote
KhorTose Posted May 12, 2011 Posted May 12, 2011 Here is one impact according to the NY Times. I hesitate to further describe this article for obvious reasons. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/12/world/asia/12iht-thailand.html?pagewanted=1&_r=3 Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted June 24, 2011 Posted June 24, 2011 Since none of the bars has clarified the times at which alcohol can not be served during the forthcoming election, here is the information I have from a website. The ban commences tomorrow (Saturday) at 6:00 pm and lasts till midnight on Sunday. The same then happens next week-end as well, so stock up on booze if you are planning a party. In restaurants, you can eat, but alcohol can not be served. I'm not sure if this affects go-go bars, as I have heard some close during election alcohol bans. Does anyone have more accurate information? Another question? Does this ban also cover duty free sales for arriving passengers at Suvarnabhumi? http://tastythailand.com/2011/06/alcohol-ban-in-thailand-on-saturday-and-sunday-pre-voting-no-booze-allowed/ Quote
Guest anonone Posted June 25, 2011 Posted June 25, 2011 Since none of the bars has clarified the times at which alcohol can not be served during the forthcoming election, here is the information I have from a website. The ban commences tomorrow (Saturday) at 6:00 pm and lasts till midnight on Sunday. The same then happens next week-end as well, so stock up on booze if you are planning a party. In restaurants, you can eat, but alcohol can not be served. I'm not sure if this affects go-go bars, as I have heard some close during election alcohol bans. Does anyone have more accurate information? Another question? Does this ban also cover duty free sales for arriving passengers at Suvarnabhumi? http://tastythailand.com/2011/06/alcohol-ban-in-thailand-on-saturday-and-sunday-pre-voting-no-booze-allowed/ The owner of a gogo bar in Pattaya posted on a different forum that he will be open on all the election days, but no alcohol service (obviously). Subject to change depending on any BIB issues, but seems to have things clear. That is the only one I have heard of, so I imagine the majority of gogo and host bars will be closed up. I assume Dongtan Beach will be staffed as normal, but with no beer / alcohol available. At least, that is what I am hoping. I can certainly survive a couple days in country without some booze, but for the sake of all Thais, I really hope the election and after-effects are peaceful. It will be good to be back ! Quote
