COMING AND GOING

Thailand Is Open

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COUP WATCH

Thailand Is Open

Despite being one of the more peaceful countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand has a long history of coups. Last week it added No. 18 to the books, when military leaders gained control of the government and declared martial law. The group then made Sept. 20 a public holiday. The following day it was back to business, including tourism.

"Generally, things are very calm so far. The coup group does not appear to be interested in causing violence; their stated interest is in returning political stability," says Patrick deGategno, Asia regional analyst at iJet, a travel risk assessment firm in Annapolis. "Everyone is trying to put on a face of 'business as usual.' "

For travelers, that means airports are open, hotels and restaurants are operating and tours are running, even in Bangkok, where the coup took place. According to a statement from Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports, "All tourist destinations, facilities and services in the country remain in operation without disruption, and all tourism-related events organized under the authority of the Ministry will be held as scheduled." A Thailand Embassy official, who asked to remain anonymous, added that foreigners should not be worried and that police in tourist spots have been told to "take extra care and precaution with the tourists ."

U.S. travel companies offering Thailand tours say they have fielded many calls from concerned customers, but they report that few travelers have canceled trips . However, many tour operators are relaxing their rules for those who do. Helen Clausen, general manager of Asian Affair Holidays in El Segundo, Calif., says that over the next two weeks, customers can postpone their trips without penalty ; for cancellations, the firm will refund all costs minus a $200 deposit fee.

The U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheet on Thailand makes no mention of the coup, although the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok advises Americans to "monitor events closely, to avoid government installations and any large public gatherings and to exercise discretion when moving about."

CoGo's advice: Since the situation in Thailand is still unsettled, it's wise to register with the State Department (http://https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp) or the U.S. Embassy there ( http://usembassy.state.gov/ ). Also, before you go, monitor the State Department's travel warnings athttp://travel.state.gov, and call your airline within 24 hours of departure to confirm your flight . For the latest developments , check the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Web site (http://www.tatnews.org), which posts updates.

PROTEST WATCH

Caution in Oaxaca

Meanwhile, in Mexico, violent protests continued in the city of Oaxaca last week . Although no tourists have been harmed, at least two people have been killed, and a sense of lawlessness prevails.

National officials and protest leaders were negotiating last week, but analysts expect the disruptions to continue in the popular colonial city, whose 16th-century square, now controlled by demonstrators, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other areas in the state of Oaxaca that are popular with tourists " continue to receive visitors as they normally do," including the resort towns of Huatulco and Puerto Escondido and the archeological sites of Monte Alban and Mitla, the Mexico Tourism Bureau said in an e-mail. Travelers whose trips originate in the city, however, should anticipate the possibility of roadblocks, said Andy Case of the risk assessment firm iJet.

Should you follow through with plans to visit? The U.S. State Department has been advising that Americans " consider carefully the risk of travel" to Oaxaca city. The British Foreign Office advises: "Exercise caution." The Canadian Foreign Office, by advising against all travel to the city, basically says: Don't go.

TRIP TIPS

NYC Refresher Course

Although once a New York City resident, CoGo on a recent visit felt like a rube.