Red flag: Places to avoid in Bangkok this weekend

Supporters of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra are due to begin arriving in Bangkok from all over the country on Friday for planned protests and blockades aimed at pressuring the Thai government to call an election, and embassies around the world are warning their citizens to exercise caution. Here in the city, many high profile events are being cancelled, reports the Bangkok Post, while some businesses and schools are closing their doors for the weekend too.

Protest leaders from the red shirt pro-Thaksin movement, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, are aiming to attract up to a million red shirts, though they have repeatedly said they will gather peacefully. Regardless, Thai Cabinet approved the use of the Internal Security Act in areas in and around Bangkok, which means check points, closed roads and additional patrols.

In an effort to combat the tourism fallout, the Thailand Tourism Authority has put together a list of areas people should avoid this weekend. In addition to the three mentioned below, the list advises tourists to stay away from Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Rama 9 Road, Samsen Road, Victory Monument, Rama IV Road, Silom Road and Rajdamri Road. Thailand travel website Paknamweb.com has put together a great Google map that pinpoints all these spots and more, including details on why that site is significant, and will be updating it throughout the weekend.

Rajdamnoen Avenue

According to media reports, on March 14 protesters will gather at the main rally site in Sanam Luang before moving into Rajdamnoen Avenue. They’ll then head to the main rally stage at the Phan Fah Bridge on their way to the Royal Plaza.

Unfortunately, this is an area near many of Bangkok’s most popular tourist attractions, including the Grand Palace, Khao San Road and Dusit Zoo. (See the Tourism Authority's map of routes to avoid if you're planning to head to there anyways.) The zoo has even relocated 14 animals ahead of protests, according to The Nation, as it’s close to the Royal Plaza and Parliament so the noise of the protests might stress out the animals.

The Prime Minister's residence

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva lives on Sukhumvit Soi 31, a very busy part of Bangkok. We suggest you avoid the general area around his home -- if only to avoid the threat of being hit with flying excrement. His house is being kept under close observation this weekend, with the beefed up security measures likely to cause traffic delays. 

Media offices

Many of Bangkok’s media outlets are accused of being anti-Thaksin in their coverage, and red shirt leaders have threatened in the past to take over their offices. The most obvious one to avoid is the anti-Thaksin ASTV/Manager offices on Phra Arthit road, where heavy security is guaranteed. This road is a popular spot among backpackers, filled with guest houses and pubs and within walking distance of Khao San Road.

CNN will be covering the marches all weekend but if you want to avoid it all, simply get out of town. There are a few decent events happening near the city this weekend:  

Go fly a kite

Head to the beach resort town of Cha-Am this weekend for the 11th Thailand International Kite Festival. Demonstrations include kite flying shows, fights, contests, art sessions and a parachute show.  The event takes place Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 9pm at the Naresuan Army Camp. Cha-Am, a two hour's drive south of Bangkok, has many great hotels, from tiny boutiques to massive five-star resorts. Our pick of the bunch is the gorgeous Alila Resort, with rates starting at 4,300 baht per night.

Join the harvest

It's harvest season for Thailand's wineries, with events taking place in many of the tourist-frequented vineyards in Khao Yai, Hua Hin and Pattaya. Till the end of this month, visitors to the regions can participate in the annual harvesting of premium Thai grapes and meet winemakers and owners. Many vineyards are marking the harvest with special food, music and other events in addition to the usual wine tours. This Saturday, Pattaya's Silverlake Vineyard will be hosting a wine dinner and concert featuring music by Jazz Kamikaze.