Thailand Travel Advice

The political situation in Thailand is volatile. British nationals should exercise extreme caution throughout the country and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, which may turn violent. Anti-government protesters have been holding demonstrations throughout Thailand since 12 March 2010, converging on Bangkok during the weekend of 13-14 March. 

Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra has also asked protestors throughout Thailand to demonstrate at provincial city halls. In central Bangkok, protestors have been moving between a number of locations including Phanfa Bridge, Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Government House. Estimates vary, but several sources indicate that there could be around 100,000 demonstrators and up to 50,000 police and military personnel on the streets. Significant traffic disruption is likely on all major roads. British nationals should therefore allow extra time for any journeys in and around Bangkok. 

A group of Red Shirt protestors gathered outside the British Embassy on the morning of 17 March, which led to the temporary closure of the Embassy to visitors. The Embassy is now open as usual.

The Thai Prime Minister has publicly warned that intelligence reports indicate the possibility of bomb and grenade attacks, in Bangkok and throughout the country.  The Thai Government has invoked the Internal Security Act from 11 - 23 March and has implemented additional security measures to manage the planned protests.  These measures, include traffic checkpoints and searches of vehicles and/or people. By law, tourists are expected to carry their passports with them at all times in Thailand. 

British nationals are advised to avoid the areas targeted by protesters from 14 March onwards and to exercise extreme caution when travelling around Bangkok. If violence breaks out, British nationals are advised to remain indoors and monitor the media.

There has recently been a spate of grenade and bomb attacks in central Bangkok and southern Thailand. On 15 March 2010, four grenades were thrown into the First Infantry Regiment's Vipavadee Rangsit Road Barracks, two exploded injuring two soldiers. On 12 March 2010, four bombs exploded in the southern province of Surat Thani. No one was injured. The Thai police defused an explosive device next to the Supreme Court in central Bangkok on 14 February. A small explosive device detonated near Government House in Bangkok on 13 February. Following the Supreme Court's verdict to seize over half of ex-PM Thaksin's frozen assets, there were two bomb explosions during the night of 27 February in front of Bangkok Bank Silom (central Bangkok) branch and Prapadaeng branches (outskirts of Bangkok).  In view of the possibility of further attacks of this sort, travellers are advised to exercise extra caution when travelling in Bangkok and to report any suspicious devices to the authorities.

Travellers are advised against all but essential travel to, or through, the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, due to the insurgency in these areas.

Travellers are advised against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) temple area, due to violence in the area.

There is a high threat from terrorism in Thailand. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. There were a number of bomb explosions in Bangkok in 2007.

Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can include the death penalty.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel