Australian Travel Warning

[OZEMADE]

Thailand overall This Advice is current for Wednesday, 10 March 2010. Be alert to own securityExercise cautionHigh degree of cautionReconsider your need to travelDo not travelYala, Pattani, Narathiwat and SongkhlaBe alert to own securityExercise cautionHigh degree of cautionReconsider your need to travelDo not travelThis advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (strong possibility of violence and civil unrest during March 2010). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

• We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution because of the high threat of terrorist attack and because of political instability in Thailand.
  
• Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
  
• We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including tourist areas and other places frequented by foreigners.
  
• There is a strong possibility of violence and civil unrest in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, during March 2010. Australians should avoid any prominent buildings associated with the Thai Government, such as Government House, the Parliament Building, the Supreme Court and military installations. Grenade attacks, including against banks, have occurred in the past month and further attacks are possible over the coming weeks. In mid-February, the Thai Government announced increased security measures in light of political unrest and possible demonstrations in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.
  
• Demonstrations can develop quickly and turn violent with little warning. In the event of protest action, disruptions could occur in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, including to transport and other infrastructure. You should avoid demonstration sites, political rallies, military deployments and concentrations of security personnel. You should also closely monitor developments and follow any instructions issued by local authorities. If you are in an area where demonstrators are gathering, you should leave the area immediately.
  
• There is an ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia relating to land near the Preah Vihear temple (Khao Pra Viharn in Thai). There has been fighting between Thai and Cambodian military troops in recent years, resulting in some injuries and fatalities. Some border crossings have been closed at times and landmines have been reported. Australians are urged to be particularly vigilant if travelling to this area and to monitor local media.
  
• We strongly advise you not to travel at this time to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla or overland to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces due to high levels of ongoing violence in these regions, including terrorist attacks and bombings resulting in deaths and injuries on an almost daily basis. Since January 2004, more than 3500 people have reportedly been killed and many more injured, including a number of foreigners. If you are in these provinces, you should consider leaving.