Thailand Travel Advice And Information - Latest Update

Summary: Political developments during Thai National Elections to be held on 03 July 2011 may lead to civil unrest.

Thai authorities have announced that security will be enhanced in various parts of Thailand to curb any violent protests.

British nationals are asked to:

• Avoid all demonstrations or large gatherings: these protests may turn violent
• Consult local authorities for advice on the current situation, should you be travelling to borders outside the main towns
• British nationals needing urgent consular assistance should call 02 305 8333 (in Thailand)
• Or see UK in Thailand for more advice.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office also encourages British nationals travelling abroad to register with their Locate service.

Last Updated: 19 May 2011

Summary: Red shirt protestors are expected to stage a large-scale demonstration in the district of Ratchaprasong, Bangkok today - 19 May 2011.

The red shirt protestors are expected to stage their demonstration between the hours of 3:00 and 23:00 and it is likely to cause disruption to traffic around this popular central shopping district in Bangkok.

Anti-government demonstrations have been taking place in Bangkok during the days from the 10th to the 19th of every month, at the Democracy Monument, located close to Khao San Road.

British nationals are advised to avoid these areas, as well as any other demonstrations as far as possible, as they have the potential to turn violent.

If you require urgent consular assistance, call:

02 305 8333 from Thailand or see the FCO's UK in Thailand advice for more information.

Date: 23 November 2010

Summary: Travelling to and around Bangkok should be done with the utmost caution as demonstrations by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) are expected to take place outside the Parliament building, near the Royal Plaza from Tuesday 23 to Thursday 25 November.

Travel Risk Areas in Thailand

The Foreign And Commonwealth Office (FCO) strongly advises against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) temple area, due to violence in the area. The FCO also advises against all but essential travel to Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Advice:

To keep safe while travelling in Thailand the FCO advises travellers to:

• Avoid all demonstrations or large gatherings; these protests may turn violent
• Take out ample travel and medical insurance: Thailand's Public Health Ministry has issued a warning that a number of cases of H1N1 (swine flu) have been reported across the country
• Carry your passport with you at all times, as outlined in Thai law
• Failure to produce a valid passport when requested may lead to you being arrested
• Consult local authorities for advice on the current situation, should you be travelling to borders outside the main towns. See: tourism thailand
• Only cross over into Burma at an official border checkpoint and after getting the necessary relevant permissions/visa from the Burmese and Thai authorities. See: FCO Travel Advice for Burma

Staying safe from crime:

• Be on the alert for pickpockets and bag snatchers especially when walking through crowds and busy streets
• Keep a close eye on your belongings when travelling in open transport such as tuk tuks
• Be weary of the possibility of credit card theft after shop employees have copied card details
• Female travellers should be extra careful during their stay in Thailand, as there have been reports of sexual offences against foreigners, especially in Koh Samui
• Be careful not to accept drinks from strangers at clubs and parties, as there have been reported incidents where tourists have had their drinks drugged

British nationals needing urgent consular assistance should call 02 305 8333 (in Thailand) or see UK in Thailand for more advice.

Bangkok Travel Advice And Information - Last Update

Date: 31 May 2010

Summary: The FCO no longer advises against all but essential travel to Bangkok, but continues to advise that those travelling to Thailand should exercise caution.

Which parts of Thailand are still considered travel risk areas?

The FCO still advises against all travel to the Preah Vihear temple area. Unless it is out of utmost urgency, they also advise to stay away from the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Songkhla

What should I do if I am travelling to Thailand?

If you are travelling to Thailand you are advised to avoid large gatherings and political demonstrations, and to follow news updates surrounding the Thai political situation.

The Foreign and Commonwealth also encourage British nationals travelling abroad to register with their Locate Service.

How long will these problems last?

Political stability continues to be a concern in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. However, FCO maintains that life in both cities is largely back to normal.

The Thai government has now removed the curfew formerly in place in Bangkok and 23 other provinces, allowing travellers to move around more freely.

20 May 2010

Summary: The Foreign Office has now cautioned against ALL travel to the city of Bangkok. This updated travel advice was issued after more violent outbreaks on Wednesday 19 May.

Other Thai destinations where travel has been advised AGAINST, include the Preah Vihear temple area and the southern provinces Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala and Songkhla. The Foreign Office (FCO) has also advised against all but essential travel to Chiang Mai, as the security situation has become unsteady.

Transiting passengers going through Suvarnabhumi Bangkok airport (BKK) onto other destinations need NOT worry. The airport is operating as per normal.

All British nationals in Bangkok are advised to stay in doors and wait for FCO and media updates

The Bangkok curfew has been extended until Sunday, 23 May, as well as in 23 other provinces across Thailand. The situation will be looked at very closely. The curfew is not likely to be lifted until the level of security for Thai citizens and travellers has stabilized.

Bangkok Travel Advice and Information - Bangkok Political Protests

Date: 23 April 2010

Travellers should be aware that the Foreign & Commonwealth office has advised against all travel to the city of Bangkok where it is avoidable.

Quick links for travel advice relevant to you:

• I am going on holiday in Bangkok - What happens next?
• I am going on holiday in Thailand, but not Bangkok, what should I do?
• I am travelling via Bangkok (BKK) airport en route to another destination - how does this affect me?

The FCO have updated their travel advice following the escalation of political protests in Bangkok, Thailand's capital city.

All British nationals are advised to steer clear of any demonstrations. The situation has been classed volatile and to ensure your safety and keep track of your whereabouts, British nationals are advised to joing the Locate service - available on www.fco.co.uk

Note that this travel advice update is not applicable to all travellers in Thailand. Many parts of Bangkok are still considered safe for travel by the FCO.

I am going on holiday in Bangkok - What happens next?

Travelers have been warned against all travel to Bangkok, where it is avoidable, until the situation has been resolved or calmed down considerably.

I am going on holiday in Thailand, but not Bangkok, what should I do?

Political violence has not spread beyond the confines of Bangkok. You need not worry - continue your holiday as planned. However, to keep updated on the situation keep monitoring our Travel Advice page page.

I am travelling via Bangkok (BKK) airport en route to another destination - how does this affect me?

Continue as planned, unless you hear the situation outside Bangkok had changed.

Helpful Contacts

For consular assistance British nationals should call 02 305 8333 (in Thailand). British nationals are encouraged to register with the Foreign and Commonwealth Organization's LOCATE service.