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Thailand travel advice

Travellers are advised against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) temple area, due to violence in the area, and all but essential travel to, or through, the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, due to the insurgency in these areas.

Elsewhere in Thailand, the situation is generally calm following recent political and civil unrest. However there have been demonstrations and protest in the area around Democracy Monument (near Khao San Road) in Bangkok on the 10 and 19th of each month. You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. Travellers are advised to follow news reports and be alert to any developments which might trigger public protests or unrest.

Keep your passport with you at all times; tourists in Thailand have been arrested for being unable to produce a passport. If you become aware of any nearby violence you should stay indoors, monitor FCO travel advice and the local media. Exercise caution, especially in the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani.

There is a high threat of terrorism in Thailand. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. There have been a number of bomb and grenade explosions in Bangkok this year.

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

Embassies and tourist offices

Tourism Authority of Thailand in the USA

61 Broadway, Suite 2810, New York, NY 10006, USA

Telephone: (212) 432 0433 Website: http://www.tourismthailand.org
Royal Thai Embassy in the USA

1024 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA

Telephone: (202) 944 3600 Website: http://www.thaiembdc.org
Royal Thai Embassy in the UK

29-30 Queens Gate, London SW7 5JB, UK

Telephone: (020) 7589 2944 Website: http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk Opening times: Mon-Fri 0930-1230; Consular section: Mon-Fri 0930-1230, 1400-1700.
Tourism Authority of Thailand in the UK

First Floor, 17-19 Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BL, UK

Telephone: (020) 7925 2511 Website: http://www.tourismthailand.co.uk
British Embassy in Thailand

14 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330

Telephone: 02 305 8333 Website: http://ukinthailand.fco.gov.uk/en/ Opening times: Office hours Mon-Thurs 0800-1200 / 1245-1630; Fri 0800-1300
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