Thailand Travel Advise

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary, Terrorism/Security, Crime, Health and Natural Disasters sections. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

We advise against all but essential travel to, or through, the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, where there is continuing violence due to insurgency and civil unrest. Since January 2004, there have been regular attacks including bombings and shootings. On 19 July 2005, the Thai Government declared a serious state of emergency in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. This was extended for a second time on 17 January 2006 to 20 April 2006.

There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Thailand. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against places frequented by foreigners.

Watch out for crimes of opportunity. Theft of passports and credit cards is a problem. Passport fraud is high and penalties are severe.

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

Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) have occurred in domestic poultry and wild birds in Thailand, resulting in a small number of human fatalities. As a precaution, you should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. For further information see Health section below and also read the FCO’s Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet.

By law, tourists are expected to carry their original passports at all times in Thailand.

About 750,000 British nationals visited Thailand in 2005 and around 35,000 are resident in the country. The main types of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Thailand are: arrests (mostly drug related) - 157 British nationals arrested in 2005 and 146 in detention or awaiting trial at the start of 2006; hospital cases (especially road accidents) - about 300 in 2005; and deaths - 188 in 2005, mostly from natural causes and road accidents. The majority of consular cases occur in Bangkok, Pattaya and Koh Samui.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

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