Travel Summary

• Major political demonstrations have been taking place in Bangkok, with outbreaks of violence. A large number of demonstrators at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport have forced the closure of the airport.  Departures have been suspended and arrivals are being diverted to other airports.  Please check with your airline or tour operator if you intend to travel via Suvarnabhumi.  Large numbers of protesters are also at Don Muang domestic airport in Bangkok.  You are advised to check with your airline or tour operator if you intend to travel from Don Muang.  You are advised to avoid the area around Government House, which anti-government protesters are occupying, and nearby Ratchadamnoen "Nok" Road, including the area around Metropolitan Police HQ and Parliament.  Recent grenade/bomb attacks at Government House have resulted in 2 deaths and more than 20 injured.  4 small bombs exploded in various areas of Bangkok in the early hours of 26 November, including in the vicinity of Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi airports.  A number of people were injured.  There remains the possibility of further violence.
  
  
• We advise against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) temple area.  Fighting broke out on 15 October between Thai and Cambodian troops along the disputed border area near the temple.  Although talks continue between the two countries, tensions remain high. You should remain alert to the local situation when travelling in other border regions, and at land crossings between the two countries.
  
  
• We advise against all but essential travel to, or through, the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla.  There continue to be frequent attacks, including bombing and shooting, due to insurgency and civil unrest in these areas. On 15 March 2008, two bomb attacks at the CS Pattani Hotel in Pattani killed two people and injured 15 others.  See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• The political situation in Thailand is very uncertain. If you are in Thailand you should keep yourself informed of developments, including by regularly checking this advice and the media. If you plan to visit Thailand you should consider the present situation when making your decision.  You should exercise caution, avoiding any demonstrations or large gatherings of people.  See the Terrorism/ Security, Political Situation and Local Travel sections for more details.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism in Thailand.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  There were a number of bomb explosions in Bangkok in 2007.  See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• 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 last human death was in 2007. See the Health (Avian Influenza) section of this advice and Avian and Pandemic Influenza for more details.
  
  
• Around 860,000 British nationals visited Thailand in 2007 (Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand). 1,412 British nationals required consular assistance in Thailand in period 01 April 2006 - 31 March 2007. 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 all the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

The political situation in Thailand is very uncertain.

Major political demonstrations have been taking place at several locations within central Bangkok, in particular around Government House, Parliament and the Metropolitan Police Head Quarters. There have been outbreaks of violence.  A large number of demonstrators have gathered in the vicinity of Suvarnabhumi International Airport have forced the closure of the airport.  Departures have been suspended and arrivals are diverting to other airports in Thailand.  You are advised to check with your airline carrier or tour operator if you are planning to travel via Suvarnabhumi.  Large numbers of protestors are also at Don Muang domestic airport in Bangkok.  Shots were fired in the vicinity of the domestic airport on 25 November injuring at least 10. You are advised to check with your airline or tour operator if you intend to travel from that Don Muang.  On 30 October 2008 a grenade was thrown at anti-government protestors near Government House, reportedly injuring ten and one man was shot dead.  A further two explosions at Government House on Saturday 8 and Tuesday 11 November 2008 injured three.  A bomb exploded on 20 November 2008 at Government House in which one person was killed and eleven injured.  A further grenade attack in the early hours of 22 November 2008 killed one protester and injured seven.  4 small bombs exploded in various areas of Bangkok in the early hours of 26 November including in the vicinity of Don Muang domestic airport and Suvarnabhumi international airport.  A number of people were injured.

On 7 October, clashes between the police and anti-government protesters outside Parliament House in Bangkok resulted in the death of 2 people and more than 400 injured.  There were outbreaks of violence, including clashes in the early hours of 2 September resulting in the death of one demonstrator and injuries to around 40 others. Two students were shot and injured while taking part in a demonstration on 4 September. There is the possibility of further violence.

You are advised to avoid the area around Government House, which anti-government protesters are occupying, and nearby Ratchadamnoen "Nok"  Road. You should exercise caution, avoiding any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. A State of Emergency, which had been in place in Bangkok was lifted on 14 September.

Throughout Thailand you should exercise caution and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. You should also keep yourself informed of developments, including by regularly checking this advice and the media.

On 19 September 2006, there was a coup against the Thai civilian government, and martial law was imposed throughout the country. Martial law has since been lifted in 41 provinces including Bangkok but it remains in 35 other provinces.  General elections took place in Thailand on 23 December 2007, and the King endorsed the new Thai Government on 6 February 2008.

Crime

Seven British nationals have been murdered in Thailand since January 2006.

Watch out for crimes of opportunity.  You should take sensible precautions and be on your guard against pickpockets and bag snatchers.  When walking along busy streets or travelling in open transport, such as tuk tuks, you should be aware that foreigners have had items snatched by riders on motorbikes.

There have been a number of incidents in Koh Phangan in 2008 where western tourists have been victims of vicious unprovoked assaults by gangs. These attacks are increasingly common around the time of the Full Moon Parties and generally occur late at night in the vicinity of bars in Haad Rin. You are advised be extremely careful when walking in this area at any time, especially after dark and if possible avoid it altogether.

We receive regular reports of credit card fraud after shop employees have copied card details. You are advised not to lose sight of your credit card during transactions.

There have been a number of incidents where tourists have had their drinks drugged (in both tourist areas and red light districts).  You should be careful about taking drinks from strangers and be wary at clubs and parties, particularly in the Koh Samui area and at the Full Moon party on Phangan Island where incidences of date rape have been reported.  A number of British nationals have suffered severe psychiatric problems as a result of drug use, in a small number of cases resulting in suicide.

We receive occasional reports of tourists who have been robbed after bringing visitors to their hotel rooms. In some cases their drinks were drugged. Ensure that your passport and wallet are secure at all times.

We continue to receive reports of sexual offences committed against foreign women and men. In 2007 our Consular staff were aware of a number of British nationals who were the victim of a serious sexual offence in Thailand. In January 2006, three British women were raped in separate incidents in Thailand, including one who was murdered.

Female travellers in particular should maintain a high state of personal awareness during their time in Thailand. Be aware that alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment.  If you are going to drink, know your limit.  Remember that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK.  Reports of sexual assaults against women have become particularly prevalent in the Koh Samui archipelago. Women travellers are, therefore, advised to take particular care over their personal security whilst staying in this area. For more guidance about this see Assault, Sexual Assault and Rape Overseas.

You should report any incidents of crime to the Thai police before leaving the country.

For more general information please see Victims of Crime Abroad.