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‘Thai’ing the Knot
Destination Weddings, Wedding Planning - May 27, 2014
With the political unrest in Thailand, is it safe to plan a destination wedding there? Wedding Planners share their opinion.
Armed soldiers with automatic weapons in the streets, nationwide curfews installed and news broadcasts censored; these are some of the updates we are reading in the papers, so naturally everyone is wondering if Thailand, or more specifically Bangkok will be affected when it comes to tourists’ traffic. While tourism is the mainstay of Thailand, WeddingSutra readers will know that Thailand is synonymous with Destination Weddings too. In the last few weeks, we’ve heard some discussions around weddings there and if and how they are likely to be affected; while travel experts state it will be business as usual, we spoke to five Wedding Planners to know their perspective.
Memorable Weddings in Thailand. Seen here, a just married couple at Shangri-La, Bangkok.
Photo Courtesy- Picture Perfect India
Rimjhim Bhagchandani- Rimjhim Events, Dubai
My company started planning weddings in Thailand with my own daughter’s wedding in Hua Hin in 2010 after which I have managed ten weddings all over Thailand. It is a preferred venue for destination weddings as the locations are stunning and the hospitality is unmatched. Many of my potential clients are expressing concern about Thailand, and I can understand their perspective, after all safety of their family and friends are paramount. That being said, I have been visiting Thailand for the last 20 years, and my experience has always been positive. I was stranded during the 2008 turmoil in Bangkok and within two days I was put on a flight back home. After all, the Thai Government works hard to ensure tourists’ safety. I am currently busy planning two weddings taking place in Thailand later this year, I really believe marriage is an extremely auspicious time in one’s life and the heavens watch over you. Of course, be prudent in your choice of venue and avoid any areas of unrest. Luckily, there are many stunning locations in Thailand which are not affected by the disturbances.
Varun Khanna- Advaita Events, Delhi
Our company is a complete wedding management company specialising in Thailand, and the last weddings we managed were at Shangri-La- Chiang Mai, Angsana Laguna Phuket and Siam Kempinski- Bangkok. The next wedding is in Khao Lak in August 2014. Our simple advice to clients is to stay off the areas close to the government offices in Bangkok city, and we reassure them that there is no need to worry.We have seen similar situations in the past; but the country’s citizens are calm and considerate towards others especially foreign visitors. So if you’re planning a celebration there, remember everything is normal and make the most of the situational discounts and schemes which various resorts are offering.
Keeran Baweja- Weddings by Keeran, Bangkok
I am based in Bangkok and my company ‘Weddings By Keeran’ has been organizing weddings since over ten years in locations like Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Bangkok and Chiang Mai.The current situation in Thailand may sound scary to those who are overseas, but all this is temporary. Here, life as well as work is progressing smoothly. We are managing two weddings in June both are at Shangri-La, Bangkok and the next two are in July, in Krabi. My advice to those who are getting married here in 2014, go ahead with everything as planned and I am sure your guests will go back with pleasant memories as always. If you need any further information or clarifications keep in touch with the offices of Tourism Authority of Thailand in Delhi and Mumbai.
Candice Pereira- Marry Me- The Wedding Planners, Mumbai
Having planned weddings at multiple destinations across the world, we still get the most requests for weddings in Thailand. The Thai hospitality, beautiful beaches, great hotel options, understanding of Indian weddings etc. are some of the many reasons why Thailand is the most popular location for destination weddings and will continue to be so. We have just returned from a trip to Phuket and Bangkok with our clients who are planning a wedding in December 2014. Having been there at this time, I can definitely say that streets are peaceful and everyone is carrying on with their lives normally. I am sure there will be less ambiguity in the near future and I think there should be no reason for anyone to reconsider venue options.
Ekta Sharma- Krafted Knots, Kolkata
Every client wants a smoothly coordinated and well managed affair to remember. So my advice for those who are getting married there, follow the Thai media and if required connect with the Tourism Authority of Thailand Offices in Mumbai and Delhi to clarify your doubts. If you can, plan all the events inside the hotel or resort itself, because most of them have fabulous indoor and outdoor venues, and choose locations like Koh Samui, Krabi that will be minimally affected due to the political unrest.
