Just back from Thailand and Burma (Myanmar): Matt’s Inside Scoop

I am back in New York City after a two-week whirlwind trip through Thailand and Burma (Myanmar). With all that has been going on in the Land of Smiles and the Land of Pagodas over the past few weeks, we understand that there are concerns with travel to the region. Having recently experienced the situation firsthand, I would like to address these situations.

What’s happening in Thailand?

Bangkok is currently the stage for a protest movement that has sadly resulted in several deaths and injuries. This unrest has led to the US State Department issuing a travel alert for Bangkok on April 22nd.

This being said, I expected to arrive to a city in chaos. However, my arrival to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport and transfer into the city’s notoriously busy streets were smooth and uneventful. On a historical tour of Bangkok’s main attractions, I did not cross paths with a single protester. I continued my journey up north without witnessing any unrest. Whether peeking into caves in Chiang Mai or riding elephants in the Golden Triangle, I was safe and comfortable. This area, along with the southern beach hotspots of Phuket and Ko Samui, have remained calm throughout the disruptions in Bangkok.

Our touring in Bangkok and throughout Thailand has not been affected by the current protests as they are contained in a district of several blocks and can easily be avoided, leaving the majority of the city unaffected. However, rest assured that our Bangkok office will continue to closely monitor the situation and we will provide the most up to date information on any further developments. – Matt