Thai coup causes confusion amongst Israeli tourists

VIDEO - BANGKOK – Thailand residents woke up Wednesday morning to a new reality. Despite efforts to show satisfaction with the results of the coup, it was obvious most were confused by this new reality. Life in Bangkok was still not back on track. The banks were closed as were most of the money changers. Even store owners preferred staying home for at least a day, just to see where things were going. Israeli Tourists at "Israeli Connection" in Bangkok (Photo: Eli Senyor) Kiu, a resident of Bangkok, was as surprised as everyone else by the coup. He explained how the army took advantage of the fact that the prime minister was in New York to take over the country. “It’s a very strange situation. We don’t know what will happen in a few days. Basically it seems like the people have pretty much accepted the new decree,” he observed, “What’s next? No one knows.” Still, anyone looking for drama and violence should look elsewhere. The soldiers here are smiling and taking pictures with interested passers-by. The day after the coup, some Israeli’s in the area were apprehensive about the new situation. Although some were interested in continuing there trip, others were doing all they could to get home, worry only about their flight to Israel and whether or not it would be on time. But most Israeli's in Bangkok didn’t even know about the Thai army taking over the Parliament building, and only found out this morning after all the commotion by word of mouth. Israeli tourist and resident of Mizkeret Batiya, Hagar Harash, told Ynet she had seen people acting strange at the market the night before, running away and quickly closing shops. But she explained that she didn’t understand what was happening only that she must return to her hotel. According to Harash, some tried to take advantage of the worried tourists. “We tried to stop a taxi, but some drivers wouldn’t stop. Those who did requested astronomical fees of 500 Baht, the usual price being 60 – 70 Baht,” Harash said. “Israeli Connection”, a restaurant and travel agency in Bangkok, has become a pilgrimage spot for Israeli tourists who waited in line for a phone booth until 4 a.m. Wednesday so that they could calm their worried families back home. “The Travelers Center”, a nearby shop, is trying to calm Israel tourists, assuring that all flights to Israel are as planned. “Not a single flight has been cancelled up until now,” one of the shop’s employees explained. “Israeli Connection” opened a post were dollars could be converted for Israeli tourists that were stranded without cash. Some ATM’s still had a bit of cash, and the nimble tourists managed to withdraw a little money.

Thai coup causes confusion amongst Israeli tourists

(VIDEO) Israeli tourist: Taxis request astronomical fees in wake of military coup; Bangkok resident says, 'It’s a very strange situation. We don’t know what will happen in a few days'