Bangkok Embassies Warnings And Advisories

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Our travel has been updated with the following (changes underlined):

· We advise against all travel to the city of Bangkok.

· There were a number of violent incidents in Bangkok on 19 May, after security forces cleared anti-Government Red Shirt protest sites. Following the dispersal of these protests, acts of violence are continuing to occur in various parts of the city.

· The situation is highly unpredictable and further acts of violence are likely. British nationals already in Bangkok should stay indoors and monitor this travel advice and local media. British nationals elsewhere in Thailand should wherever possible take transport services which do not involve transiting Bangkok.

· On 19 May, the Thai Government announced a curfew, from 20:00 on 19 May to 06:00 on 20 May in the city of Bangkok and in the following 21 other provinces: Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Nan, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Nakhom Ratchasima, Si Saket, Ubon, Nong Bua Lumphu, Mahasarakham, Roi Et, Sakhon Nakhon, Kalasin and Muk Da Han. It is possible that this curfew may be extended for a longer period.

· Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok is operating as normal. The route to the airport from Bangkok city remains open but you should look at our travel advice and the media for any other information.

· The Thai Government have said that travel to and from the airport is permitted in curfew hours provided you are able to show officers at checkpoints your passport and airline ticket. However, in view of the risk of violence, we advise any British nationals currently in Bangkok to remain indoors during the curfew period. If you need to travel to the airport, we advise you to do so outside the curfew times even if this means starting your journey earlier than planned.

· FCO advice against all travel to the city of Bangkok does not apply to passengers transiting Bangkok airport on their way by air to other destinations, either within Thailand or internationally.

· We advise against all but essential travel to the city of Chiang Mai where a number of violent incidents, some involving gunfire, have occurred following the clearing of the Red Shirt demonstration sites in Bangkok. Red Shirt demonstrators have set up a demonstration site at the Chiang Mai railway station. British nationals already in Chiang Mai should monitor this travel advice and local media before going out during the day, and otherwise comply with the curfew in force.

http://ukinthailand.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for...s/travel-advice

British Embassy

Bangkok

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British Embassy-Update 23 May 10

Interested parties should note that the Embassy will open Mon 24th May.

Anyone staying overnight should adhere to the curfew.

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Notification from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs

and Trade's Smartraveller advisory service.

The following Travel Advice has changed or been added since our last

update (23 May 2010 19:02:56 EST):

* Thailand

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand

Current Advice Level: "Reconsider your need to travel"

Change Summary:

This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new

information in the Summary and under Civil Unrest/Political Tension

(curfews extended until 4 a.m on 29 May). The level of the advice

for Bangkok has decreased to Reconsider your need to travel. The

overall level of the advice has not changed.

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Notification from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs

and Trade's Smartraveller advisory service.

The following Travel Advice has changed or been added since our last

update (27 May 2010 17:26:34 EST):

* Thailand

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand

Current Advice Level: "Reconsider your need to travel"

Change Summary:

This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new

information in the Summary and under Civil Unrest/Political Tension

(curfews cancelled but state of emergency remains in place). The

overall level of the advice has not changed.

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The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has reviewed its travel advice for Thailand.

Full text below.

Thailand

Reviewed: 02 June 2010, 16:45 NZDT

There is 'some risk' to your security in Bangkok and other areas in Thailand not covered below due to the uncertain political situation, potential for civil unrest and threat from terrorism and we advise caution.

There is 'high risk' to your security in the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Songkhla because of ongoing criminal and politically-motivated violence. We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these provinces. Since 2004 there have been over 4,000 deaths as a result of terrorist and other violent attacks. The Thai Government's Emergency Decree is in force in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.

There is 'high risk' to your security along the Thailand/Cambodia border in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear temple (Khao Pra Viharn in Thai) and along the Thailand/Burma border and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these areas. Military forces from both countries are deployed to the region and military clashes occur from time to time. Sporadic conflict near the Burma/Thai border occurs between the Burma military and armed opposition groups as well as between Thai security forces and armed criminal groups (such as drug traffickers).

A major political protest in Bangkok ended violently on 19 May after a concerted operation by Thai security forces against anti-government 'red shirt' protesters. There were numerous deaths and injuries. The end of the protest saw a spate of arson attacks and other violence in Bangkok and in some of Thailand's northern cities. The situation remains volatile and there is potential for further violent acts to occur. New Zealand travellers and residents in Thailand should remain vigilant.

Central parts of Bangkok (Ratchaprasong, Silom, Sathorn, Bon Kai, Din Daeng) have now been cleared of protest activity, but may regularly be subject to additional patrols by the military and the police. Public transport services have been restored, but there is significant damage to hotels, shops and other infrastructure in those areas. Suvarnabhumi International Airport on the outskirts of Bangkok is operating normally.

The Thai Government has invoked provisions under the Emergency Decree, to apply in Bangkok and a number of provinces. This gives the security forces additional powers of arrest and detention. The measures may also involve travel restrictions, traffic checkpoints and vehicle and/or people searches. The Emergency Decree is in effect in Bangkok and the provinces of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Chonburi, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Nakon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Nan, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Mahasarakham, Roi-et, Nongbualamphu, Sakhonnakorn, Kalasin, Mukdahan and Si Sa Ket.

New Zealanders throughout Thailand are strongly advised to avoid all protests and rallies, and any areas of military or security force activity. We recommend you comply with any restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities, monitor events closely and remain vigilant as the security situation could change quickly.

Due to the threat from terrorism, New Zealanders are advised to exercise a very high degree of personal security awareness in Thailand. This advice extends also to New Zealanders in or planning to visit popular tourist destinations. Particular care should be taken in public and commercial areas, including landmark places known to be frequented by foreigners, public transport facilities, hotels, bars, tourist resorts and shopping areas. There have been numerous grenade attacks and small explosions in Bangkok and Chiang Mai over recent months. Further attacks cannot be ruled out, particularly against buildings associated with the Thai Government.

It is a requirement under Thai law to carry photo identification at all times. A New Zealand driver's licence or a photocopy of the biodata page from a passport would be adequate identification in the first instance.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Thailand should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Thailand are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, www.safetravel.govt.nz

The New Zealand Embassy Bangkok, Thailand

Contact details are:

Street Address: M Thai Tower, 14th floor, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Bangkok

Postal Address: PO Box 2719, Bangkok 10500

Telephone: +66 2 254 2530

Facsimile: +66 2 253 9045

Email: nzembbkk [at ]loxinfo.co.th

Website: www.nzembassy.com/thailand

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200, 1300-1630 hrs