Reviewing Turbulent Thailand: Protests, Bloodshed, and Bombings in Bangkok

▲Bangkok street scene in Thailand. (Photo / Archive, provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand)

Reporter Chen Ziying / Taipei Reporting

A bomb exploded in Bangkok, Thailand, on the evening of the 17th, killing 22 people and injuring at least 123, including 6 Taiwanese tourists. The news shocked the international community. Reflecting on recent years, Thailand has seen frequent incidents due to political unrest and polarization—from 2013 onwards, the country experienced chaotic protests that escalated into bloodshed, then faced MERS cases this year, and now a malicious bomb attack that has once again dealt a heavy blow to Thailand's economic and tourism industries.

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Bomb Attacks During Yellow and Red Shirt Protests
The source of Thailand’s political turmoil can be summarized as a power struggle between two major factions: the "Red Shirts" (United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship) and the "Yellow Shirts" (People's Alliance for Democracy). Since November 2013, the Yellow Shirt protests continued to unfold, with large-scale demonstrations at 13 locations in Bangkok. The spark was the amnesty bill proposed by the Yingluck government, which aimed to pardon all political prisoners—including former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who fled abroad due to corruption—and allow his return. Although the bill was rejected by parliament, it sparked strong public dissatisfaction.

By January 17 and 19, 2014, bomb attacks were reported, resulting in 1 death and over 60 injuries. On May 9 of the same year, tens of thousands of anti-government Yellow Shirts occupied government buildings and surrounded TV stations, only to be forcibly dispersed by police using tear gas and water cannons, leaving 6 injured. Subsequently, Yellow Shirt protests continued to focus around Bangkok’s Democracy Monument and Parliament Building, while Red Shirts gathered in Bangkok’s western suburbs. This forced the Thai military to declare martial law on May 20, advising general travelers to avoid going out at night—the tension was palpable.

Visa Fee Waiver to Rescue Tourism
The political unrest severely impacted Thailand’s tourism market in 2014. In early August 2014, the Thai government announced a three-month "visa fee waiver" for mainland China and Taiwan, from August 9 to November 8, saving applicants NT$1,200 in visa fees in the hope of reviving the sluggish market. At the time, a Thai trade office official stated that nearly a thousand people were applying in person each day.

MERS Brushed But No Major Spread
This year’s frightening Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS) case shocked Asian travelers when Thailand reported its first infection on June 18. According to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, the patient was a 75-year-old male tourist from Oman, and the case was confirmed as a "mild infection." No new MERS infections were reported until June 22. On June 26, the Tourism Authority of Thailand announced on its official website: "Thai authorities have successfully eradicated the MERS virus."

Introducing "Six-Month Multiple Entry Visa" to Revive Tourism Again
In response to the recovering tourism market, the Thai government this month once again announced the introduction of a "six-month multiple entry visa" for global travelers, set to begin in October. This allows visitors to enter Thailand multiple times within six months, with a handling fee of 5,000 Thai baht (approximately NT$4,600) per person, aiming to attract more international tourists for repeated visits.

Terrorist Blast in Bangkok Deals Another Blow to Thai Tourism Market
Last night (the 17th), a severe explosion occurred near the famous Erawan Shrine and the Chidlom BTS station in Bangkok, causing heavy casualties. The blast killed 22 and injured 123, including 5 Taiwanese tourists with varying degrees of injuries. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha even stated bluntly that the perpetrators targeted foreigners, intending to damage the tourism industry and the economy.

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