Thailand

 /This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendment to the Summary and Terrorism/Security section. 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.

* * *here 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. On 24 August 2006 bomb making equipment was discovered in a car close to the Prime Minister’s residence in the Bang Plat district of Bangkok. The device was successfully defused.

 * * *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. For further information see Health section below and also read the FCO’s Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet .

 * * *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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