I am wondering if anyone knows anything about the travel advisory on the Federal government website regarding traveling to Bangkok? I am interested in going bu after reading that, I am hesitant. It makes me wonder if that’s why the flights are so cheap right now...

What’s it say... I just booked

In Bangkok, mostly political instability.
“Thailand - Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand due to ongoing political tensions and sporadic demonstrations in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country”
Also, regarding the Zika virus, it states those who are pregnant, or who are considering becoming pregnant, should avoid travel to Thailand.

Ah! Yeah could be why the flights are cheap. I’m still looking forward to it!

Mackenzi where did you book from?

flight hub

Mackenzi what time of year are travelling? I’m booking for April in the next few weeks....may I ask what route/airline you are traveling?

Check out flight hub
Chris posted a great deal. There’s one leaving April 24th-may 9th

I am going May 31st

We went 2 years ago, and it basically had the same warning.
Canada also has the same warning Mexico... so really. If you are a smart traveler, you needn’t worry too much! And obviously you are, because you checked in on this matter!

David Thanks! Thailand is slowly but surely making its up way to the top of my go to destinations!

It’s amazing! I was so “not wanting to go” when we went. I was a little scared to be honest. I FELL IN LOVE! The people are incredible, the islands were beautiful, Bangkok was Big dirty and busy, I loved it! Food is amazing (I’m a vegetarian, so much food for vegetarian folk). I can wait to be back. 11 weeks and counting

David have a great time! If i go, I will need to figure out how to find out how to get to some beautiful beaches from Bangkok. Let me know if you have any tips!

Chingy you can get flights to beach areas for like $35 cdn
Thai smile Airlines was great, and that’s where we found the $35 tickets!

They've had this advisory for Bangkok for several years. This will be our fourth year travelling there. Once the political protesters were all camped out along one main street, but it was peaceful. The main areas to avoid are southern provinces. We usually head to the islands and never notice any issues, but it's totally up to you. I can't tell you to take a risk, but we've certainly never felt anxious about being there, or threatened at all.

I loved Thailand and never once felt unsafe there (its been 7 years). I know there was somebody unrest when their king died but my husband and a bunch of my in-laws were just there for two weeks, and spent a week in Bangkok. Perfectly safe. At times there have been protests and unrest but just stay away from those areas. Tourism is huge for their economy and nobody wants to mess with it. For the Zika thing, I stayed home because of it but my husband said they saw a couple flies and no mosquitos. Any risk is too much for me but hearing that, maybe I should have gone. Ha ha.

not sure about advisories but.....
remember to wear the right colours if they are protesting! Always check your wallet and belonging. When you bargain, always shave off the price at least 50% (perhaps 70% or more) and do the "walk away" trick.

Political protesters under an overpass, beside a shopping centre in Bangkok, four years ago.

Please also bear in mind tho that paying $2 more than you maybe could have, means a lot more to them than it does to you.
I always barter, but try to be fair.

Not saying anything about you, Cathy. Just saw some ruthless (and rude) people

Theresa Birnie I think you are commenting to the wrong person. Did you mean this for Kaisin, by any chance?

Haha yes. Sorry.

Theresa Birnie hi Theresa, I understand where you come from. Well, You don’t have to be rude when you bargain. Fair deal for everyone. It’s also common for you to bargain, get the price you ask for and then realize that next door, they quote a way lower price for the same item.
http://www.bangkok.com/magazine/5-tips-for-bargaining.htm
BANGKOK.COM
5 Tips for Bargaining in Thai Markets - Bangkok.com Magazine

We went to Bangkok the last time there was political upheaval. We landed and heard there was a rocket grenade attack. The local of where this happen is small. For example if some commotion was happening at Chinook and you were in DT Calgary you would not give it a second thought. Just stay away from that area. I am going back in May!!

To be honest, our government's travel advisories do more harm than good in my opinion. They make some incredibly safe countries sound dangerous and likely keep many people from experiencing the world.
Worry if the country you want to visit is listed as 'Avoid all travel'.
If it says 'Exercise a high degree of caution' (which it does for many very safe countries) - don't be scared off, and just do a little research. Ask some people who have been there recently. You'll likely find that everything is fine.

Good advice Chris. There are parts of Calgary I would be very hesitant to visit.

Was there when the military cou (spelling?) was put in place 4 years ago. There was a 9pm curfew in Bangkok, which was strictly followed by the thais, however didn’t apply to tourists. however there wasn’t anything really open to go to. There were also military check points at that time, we went through a couple, which was a little nerve racking with the blockades and weapons. But like someone already said the islands it doesn’t really seem to apply. Didn’t feel unsafe at any point. But opted not to wear red or yellow as those were the protest colours at that time. I would encourage you to still go. It is a beautiful country and very friendly people.

I go every year for the last 10...spend months at a time...this advisory pops up time to time....nothing to worry about

Thanks Archie! That’s reassuring.

I just left there and am now in Cambodia. There’s no reason not to go there, but check out the good time boutique hotel in Sihanoukville— heavenly! Our second last night here. We originally booked 2 nights but added four more. Love it here!

Cambodia

Thanks everyone! Some great advice was offered. This is all very reassuring. I love this Facebook page

Just be careful and use your judgment, always be alert that you are in a foreign country and follow their laws and you ll be fine.

Rules in Thailand are pretty simple. Don't say anything bad about the king, don't deface any religious monuments, cover up bare shoulders and legs at temples, and take off your sandals at temples. I stay away from full moon parties and stuff involving drugs. I'm sure more tourists get into trouble with prostitution and drugs than they do with political upheaval.

Just got back...no issues.

I was just there in nov and had no issues. We felt safe at all times.

Just returned from Thailand, including Bangkok, and did not witness/experience any political tension anywhere we went. As for diseases that's always a risk when traveling out of your home continent so at your discretion, take appropriate preventative measures.