Travel U.S. Upgrades Thailand Travel Advisory, With Warnings for the South

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of wikipedia

 

Thailand gets a green light from Uncle Sam but tourists visiting the south should tread carefully. The US State Department recently upgraded its travel advisory for Thailand, confirming it's generally safe for explorers, according to Sasikarn Watthanachan, Thailand's deputy government spokesperson.

 

The bulk of the country is now at a “Level 1” advisory, indicating tourists should “exercise normal precautions”—equivalent to advice for places like Iceland and New Zealand.

 

This reassures visitors that Thai hotspots like Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai are welcoming adventurers with open arms and minor caution.

 

However, it's not all golden beaches and bustling markets. The southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla are marked with a “Level 2” advisory. Here, travellers are urged to be more vigilant due to sporadic violence and insurgency-related unrest.

 

These areas remain under a state of emergency, limiting the US government’s ability to offer emergency services, warns the US State Department.

 

While the broader Thailand canvas remains a vibrant playground for tourists, the southern provinces tell a different story. Insurgent activities have led to ongoing security concerns, with the potential for civil unrest.

 

Despite the US's cautionary stance towards the south, tourists can still indulge in Thailand’s rich culture and landscapes, just with eyes wide open.

 

In summary, while most of Thailand presents a safe bet for tourists eager to dive into its wonders, heightened awareness is warranted in the southern reaches. 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-06-17