Troubles In Thailand

[andypoole]

I've exchanged into Marriott Phuket for the first two weeks in January and the current troubles there don't bode well. If, in the worst case scenario, we are unable to get to the destination because of the domestic issues, where do we stand with regard to our reserved weeks? Are they transferable or lost forever? And how would it be if we were owners hoping to stay at our own resort?

 

[aceinthehole]

Check to see what the State department has to say about travel to Thailand. If you don't go, the weeks are lost. Maybe you might be able to get congress to bail you out...write your congressman.

 

[Dave M]

If you can't get there and don't take any affirmative action with respect to your exchange weeks, they will likely be lost forever. Up until two weeks before the check-in date for each week, you can call II, cancel the exchange and get a "Cancellation Replacement" week that allows you to exchange for a week that falls any time within the following 12 months. You'll only be able to confirm the exchange during Flexchange - the last 59 days before you want to travel.

Note that although it's not your fault that there is unrest in Thailand and two major airports are having frequent flight cancellations (e.g., Bangkok was closed yesterday), it's not II's fault either. They don't guarantee that transportation to your resort will be available to you.

 

[andypoole]

aceinthehole - thanks but I'm in the UK, so it's our Foreign Office that'll be the department.

Thanks Dave M - that's very helpful info.

 

[pwrshift]

did you take out insurance from II?

 

[andypoole]

We have travel insurance but not through II

 

[welshhope]

Phuket

Its still hard to say how soon things will calm down in Bangkok but Phuket is quite a way away, and the Thais are a peaceful people.
Have you spoken to your airline maybe consider flying straight into Phuket not via Bangkok?
I do hope things work out it is paradise and you must have been looking forward for quite a while.
Janet

 

[andypoole]

Hi Janet - we are definitely looking forward to it! I've not spoken to airline yet (EVA Air) as am just keeping a watching brief. Still some time to go before hitting the panic button.

Thanks for your confirmation that it is paradise

 

[Retired TSO]

We are in the same situation with our booking for one week for the 2nd weekk of Jan. Our flight however is a direct one from Hong Kong to Phuket, so if Phuket situation remains calm, at least our flight will be going. The problem might be getting out from Bangkok where our flight originates for the return. Keeping fingers crossed and hoping for a peacefull settlement. We still have 5 weeks.
Mukesh

 

[andypoole]

Yes Mukesh - plenty of time for it to be reolved. We're at the Marriott from 3rd to 16th Jan (hopefully!)