Thailand

/This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to Health section (Legionnaires disease). The overall level of the advice has not changed./

* *On 31 December 2006, eight bombs exploded in various locations in Bangkok, killing three people and injuring at least 36 others including six foreigners. As a result, the Thai authorities have strengthened security in Bangkok. The possibility of further attacks cannot be ruled out. You should exercise caution when travelling within Bangkok and where possible avoid crowded public places.

* * *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. There were eight explosions in Yala Province on 9 November 2006 injuring 13 people. 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.

* * *On 19 September 2006, there was a coup against the Thai civilian government and martial law was imposed throughout the country. On 28 November 2006 martial law was effectively lifted in 41 (of the the total of 76) provinces, including Bangkok. An interim Prime Minister was appointed on 1 October 2006. There remains a risk of further political instability in Thailand. You are advised to avoid any demonstrations and large crowds.

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

* * *On 8 January 2007 the Thai Meteorogical Department issued a warning of very heavy rain and strong winds in the southern provinces of both the Andaman sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Heavy seas are expected from Prachuap Khiri Khan southwards and flooding is possible from Songkhla southwards. Please see the Sea Safety section of this travel advice for more details.

* * *Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Thailand have resulted 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

* * *Around 750,000 British tourists visit Thailand every year. The main types of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Thailand are 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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