Political tensions ease in Thailand
following declaration of a state of emergency on 2 September 2008

Though a state of emergency has been declared in Bangkok on 2 September 2008, life in the capital and the rest of the Kingdom continues as usual.  While certain rights and liberties of individuals may have been curtailed, this has been enforced only to the extent required so as to cause as little disruption as possible to local businesses and the people’s way of life.  For example, the prohibition of assemblies or gatherings of more than five persons applies only to political gatherings, leaving unaffected economic and social activities.
 
Within Bangkok itself, only a few districts have been disrupted.  Elsewhere in Bangkok and the rest of the Kingdom, people continue to carry out their livelihood as usual.  Public services, which earlier experienced some disruptions, have mostly returned to normal.  All airports have resumed full operations.  Trains services are operating as normal except for some services to the southern part of Thailand.  Roadways are open to commuters, with only certain roads in Bangkok around Government House closed.  Public utilities and communication services have not been disrupted.
 
The limited nature of the ongoing protest and the minimal disruptions that have resulted certainly explain why foreigners -- tourists and business persons alike -- continue to travel to Thailand.

Looking ahead, the Government will continue to assess the situation and may consider rescinding the state of emergency earlier than the designated timeframe of three months.  Until then, the authorities have reiterated that they will exercise utmost restraint and try to resolve differences through peaceful means without resorting to the use of force.  In addition, efforts are now underway under the auspices of the National Assembly to bridge political differences between all parties concerned within the framework of the Thai Constitution and the rule of law.  In a recent poll, more than half of the foreigners questioned also expressed the view that the ongoing political situation was hardly unusual and normal in a democracy.

 8 September 2008

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