Thailand

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and
Health 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 1 August 2006, there were over 100 violent incidents throughout the far
southern provinces, including at least 40 explosions. On 2 August 2006, a
further three explosions resulted in three fatalities. The Thai Government
has declared a serious state of emergency in the provinces of Pattani,
Yala and Narathiwat.

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

*
* *Since December 2005, there have been a number of small explosions in
Bangkok. The motives for these attacks are not clear.

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

*
* *Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Thailand have resulted in a
small number of human fatalities. The most recent fatality was in Uthai
Thani Province in central Thailand on 03 August 2006. The Thai
authorities are currently investigating suspected outbreaks in a number of
other central, north and north eastern provinces. 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.

*
* *Around 750,000 British tourists visit Thailand every year. The main type
of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in
Thailand is for arrests (mostly drug related); hospital cases (especially
road accidents); and deaths, 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. Please
see: Travel Insurance

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