Kiwis's Advised To Leave Thailand By Nz Government

[roamer]

This is the highest level a travel warning reaches and now its entirely possible it will be copied by other countries. Travel insurance now void for New Zealand issued policies and this can also mean airlines may also re-evaluate options.

NZ PM urges New Zealanders to leave Thailand

English.news.cn 2010-05-17 19:37:44 FeedbackPrintRSS

WELLINGTON, May 17 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said on Monday that the travel advisory for Thailand has been increased to the most extreme level and is urging any New Zealanders there to leave.

The New Zealand government is warning against any travel to Thailand as clashes between security forces and red shirt protesters show no signs of abating.

There have been violent clashes in the center of Bangkok since Thursday between soldiers and anti-government 'red shirt' protesters. The death toll has risen to 36 and the deadline for the protesters to leave their camp has passed.

Key told reporters that the access to Bangkok airport is unimpeded and commercial flights are still operating. He is urging New Zealanders to leave as soon as they can.

Meanwhile, a New Zealander injured in Bangkok has been located by embassy staff. He was treated in hospital and has since been discharged.

The protests began on March 12 and a state of emergency was declared in Bangkok on April 7. It now covers more than 20 provinces, mostly in the north.

The New Zealand embassy has been closed since late last week.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/worl.../c_13299461.htm

[kopite]

too soon for statements like this imho

[haveaniceday]

Way to much over kill, put a do not travel to Bangkok Province, sure, but this is clueless. I bet some Embassy staff just want ed a holiday and trip home.

[upinthesky]

Way to much over kill, put a do not travel to Bangkok Province, sure, but this is clueless. I bet some Embassy staff just want ed a holiday and trip home.

What a stupid opinion. There are a number of embassies are advising their citizen to leave Thailand.

[roamer]

too soon for statements like this imho

Way to much over kill, put a do not travel to Bangkok Province, sure, but this is clueless. I bet some Embassy staff just want ed a holiday and trip home.

Actually it was driven by news that a New Zealander had been injured in the clashes and pressure from the NZ government opposition.

However that news report may be inaccurate. Other reports are like this:

LATEST: Thousands of Kiwis in Thailand are being urged to leave after the Government increased its advice on the Thai capital to "extreme" risk.

Protests in Bangkok turned violent last week and 36 people have died in the fighting since Thursday, according to official medical sources.

At least 65 people have been killed and more than 1600 wounded since the red shirts began their protest in mid-March.

The mostly rural and urban poor protesters, supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, accuse the government of colluding with the royalist elite and meddling with the judiciary to bring down two Thaksin-allied governments.

The NZ Government's warning comes after a Kiwi was injured in the protests.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) this afternoon upgraded its travel advisory to "extreme" due to the political and civil unrest and threat of terrorism.

MFAT is now advising Kiwis not to travel to Bangkok, while those already there are encouraged to leave.

An MFAT spokesman said the Kiwi had been treated in hospital on Saturday for minor injuries and allowed to leave. TVNZ reported that the injured man's name was John Bailey.

There were 380 New Zealanders registered in Bangkok and 918 in Thailand in total. But officials believe there could be up to 650 in Bangkok and as many as 2000 elsewhere in Thailand.

"Given the unpredictability of the situation and the gradual ramping up and spread of violence in recent days, this afternoon, MFAT increased the level of its travel advisory for Thailand," Mr Key said.

"The Government has upgraded the risk level for Bangkok to the extreme risk. We advise against travel to Bangkok and New Zealanders currently in Bangkok should consider departing."

The Government had authorised the voluntary departure of the families of embassy staff from Bangkok.

The Bangkok Airport was still open and access to it remained clear so people there should get out now, Mr Key said.

"Commercial flights are operating so there are options for New Zealanders to leave that may not be available later on."

Mr Key said he was confident the Government could rely on commercial flights to transport people out of Thailand but would "look to act" if the situation changed.

Those in other parts of Thailand also faced a high risk to their security, MFAT said.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/asia/3703890/...reme-risk-MFAT/

Its clear they are talking about Bangkok but they then muddy the waters a bit. Expect clarification.

May well be jumping the gun a bit but there is increasing unease about how the problems might be spreading. It wouldn't surprise me to see other countries following suit

[roamer]

Way to much over kill, put a do not travel to Bangkok Province, sure, but this is clueless. I bet some Embassy staff just want ed a holiday and trip home.

What a stupid opinion. There are a number of embassies are advising their citizen to leave Thailand.

Which embassies ? I have yet to see that.

[elkangorito]

This is the highest level a travel warning reaches and now its entirely possible it will be copied by other countries. Travel insurance now void for New Zealand issued policies and this can also mean airlines may also re-evaluate options.

I think that the above bolded & underlined is the reason why advice has been issued.

Edited May 17, 2010 by elkangorito

[Maverell]

This is all pressure on Thailand to sort things out. NZ and we know things are not as bad as they say. Politics at work.

[Jingthing]

I hope this isn't a trend.

[handydog]

This is all pressure on Thailand to sort things out. NZ and we know things are not as bad as they say. Politics at work.

Typical knee-jerk reaction we have come to expect from NZ politics.

Just one of the reasons that make Thailand a more appealing place to live dispite its unstable governance.

I am surprised Winston Peters had not put his 2 cents worth in yet.

[moo9]

Yes now the bills are in the post box....for the Government, having a totally wrong strategy from the beginning. If they can't manage this now (...and I wonder how you could manage it NOW), there will be an exodus of foreign people and investments.

Som na na Thailand.

Problem addressing AND solving is not working on personal levels, so it won't work on the highest levels as well.

A shame for the country and the vast majority of it's people.

[Sisaketmike]

Way to much over kill, put a do not travel to Bangkok Province, sure, but this is clueless. I bet some Embassy staff just want ed a holiday and trip home.

No, actuallyThais want to eat Kiwis picked by Kiwis. (Please see attached photo, already ripe.)

[Replogle]

What advice would the NZ government give to its citizens with families, "remain vigilant?"

[elkangorito]

Way to much over kill, put a do not travel to Bangkok Province, sure, but this is clueless. I bet some Embassy staff just want ed a holiday and trip home.

No, actuallyThais want to eat Kiwis picked by Kiwis. (Please see attached photo, already ripe.)

Don't you mean 'Chinese Gooseberries'?

[quiksilva]

Talk about an over reaction !!

[stiggy]

From there website:

Highest level is towards BKK only.

Reviewed: 17 May 2010, 15:35 NZDT

Still current at: 18 May 2010

* Thailand: Temporary closure of the New Zealand Embassy

There is extreme risk to your security in Bangkok due to the uncertain political situation, civil unrest and threat from terrorism and we advise against all travel. New Zealanders currently in Bangkok should consider departing. Suvarnabhumi International Airport on the outskirts of Bangkok is open and commercial flights are operating normally. The New Zealand Embassy is temporarily closed due to security concerns in its immediate vicinity and is able to offer only limited emergency assistance at this time. All routine enquiries will be dealt with once the Embassy re-opens. The voluntary departure of Embassy staff dependants has been authorised.

There is high risk to your security elsewhere in Thailand due to the uncertain political situation, civil unrest and threat from terrorism and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel. New Zealanders currently in Thailand with concerns for their safety should consider departing.

Political protests involving very large crowds have been taking place in Bangkok in recent weeks and are ongoing. It is not clear how long the protests will continue but there has been a significant escalation of violence and lawlessness around the main protest site since 13 May. The main anti-government ‘red shirt’ rally is encamped in the central Rajprasong area of Bangkok, home to many hotels and department stores, and the New Zealand Embassy.

Violent clashes between protestors and security forces have resulted in 64 deaths and over 1600 injuries since protests began in March, including 30 killed and 232 injured since 13 May. The situation is extremely volatile and further violent clashes between protestors and security forces are likely, as are clashes between rival groups of protestors. Protestors have been moving around locations within the city, affecting access to shops, hotels and tourist sites and causing significant disruptions to traffic, including the Skytrain and MRT (metro) services. New Zealanders should be aware that large numbers of armed troops and police have been deployed in the Bangkok city area, including the Silom and Sukhumvit areas, and are authorised to use lethal force in certain circumstances.

Protest activity has also been occurring in other parts of Thailand, particularly in the north and north-east including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani.

http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/destinations/thailand.shtml

[barrywells]

Letter sent by the embassy today:

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

Thailand

Reviewed: 17 May 2010, 15:35 NZDT

There is 'extreme risk' to your security in Bangkok due to the uncertain political situation, civil unrest and threat from terrorism and we advise against all travel. New Zealanders currently in Bangkok should consider departing. Suvarnabhumi International Airport on the outskirts of Bangkok is open and commercial flights are operating normally. The New Zealand Embassy is temporarily closed due to security concerns in its immediate vicinity and is able to offer only limited emergency assistance at this time. All routine enquiries will be dealt with once the Embassy re-opens. The voluntary departure of Embassy staff dependants has been authorised.

There is 'high risk' to your security elsewhere in Thailand due to the uncertain political situation, civil unrest and threat from terrorism and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel. New Zealanders currently in Thailand with concerns for their safety should consider departing.

Political protests involving very large crowds have been taking place in Bangkok in recent weeks and are ongoing. It is not clear how long the protests will continue but there has been a significant escalation of violence and lawlessness around the main protest site since 13 May. The main anti-government 'red shirt' rally is encamped in the central Rajprasong area of Bangkok, home to many hotels and department stores, and the New Zealand Embassy.

Violent clashes between protestors and security forces have resulted in 64 deaths and over 1600 injuries since protests began in March, including 30 killed and 232 injured since 13 May. The situation is extremely volatile and further violent clashes between protestors and security forces are likely, as are clashes between rival groups of protestors. Protestors have been moving around locations within the city, affecting access to shops, hotels and tourist sites and causing significant disruptions to traffic, including the Skytrain and MRT (metro) services. New Zealanders should be aware that large numbers of armed troops and police have been deployed in the Bangkok city area, including the Silom and Sukhumvit areas, and are authorised to use lethal force in certain circumstances.

Protest activity has also been occurring in other parts of Thailand, particularly in the north and north-east including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani.

Although tourists have not previously been targeted by protestors, there is potential for them to be caught up in violence directed at others. Several foreign nationals, including journalists and a New Zealander, have been injured in recent days after being caught in the crossfire.

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. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations or violence you should leave the area if it is safe to do so, or if this is not possible, find a safe location indoors and heed any local advice. We also recommend checking your travel documents are up to date.

The Thai Government has invoked provisions under an Emergency Decree, to apply in Bangkok and surrounding provinces. This gives the security forces additional powers of arrest and detention. The new 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 and Si Sa Ket.

There have been numerous grenade attacks and small explosions in Bangkok and Chiang Mai over recent weeks. Further attacks cannot be ruled out, particularly against buildings associated with the Thai Government.

Major demonstrations occurred in Bangkok and Pattaya in April 2009 with some resulting in violent clashes between protestors and security forces and between rival groups of protestors. Between 25 November and 4 December 2008, Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Muang domestic airport in Bangkok were occupied by protestors and closed. Phuket Airport and other transportation networks in southern resort areas were also affected by protest activity in late 2008. As the political situation in Thailand remains unpredictable, future travel disruptions cannot be ruled out.

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 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 has declared a state of emergency in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.

There is 'high risk' to your security in the Thailand/Cambodia border region in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear temple (Khao Pra Viharn in Thai) and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to this area. The temple is located on the border between Sisaket Province in Thailand and Preah Vihear province in Cambodia. This part of the international border is disputed by both Thailand and Cambodia and military forces from both countries are deployed to the region. In April 2009 and October 2008 fighting broke out close to the temple. Tensions remain high and further military clashes cannot be ruled out.

Sporadic conflict near the Burma (Myanmar)/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). If you intend visiting border areas beyond the main towns it is recommended that you check with the local authorities before setting out. It is not safe to cross the border between Thailand and Burma.

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 strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, or if already registered, update their details, xxx

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: [email protected]

Website: xxx

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

[Sojan]

Hey, we are Kiwi and we live in Chidlom so after Fridays gunshots and explosions this is a very accurate statement and we took it's advice

Although we didn't go as far as back to New Zealand, just as far as Rama III ;-)

[Sisaketmike]

Hey, we are Kiwi and we live in Chidlom so after Fridays gunshots and explosions this is a very accurate statement and we took it's advice

Although we didn't go as far as back to New Zealand, just as far as Rama III ;-)

Guess there're smart Kiwis around.

[sylvafern]

All NZers registered with the embassy would have got the email that barrywells posted above .... as it says.... New Zealanders currently in Bangkok should consider departing. Think that the newspaper reports saying the PM is urging NZers to leave is a bit exaggerated. The rest of the email is fairly standard and similar to past emails and emails from the British embassy. My mother watched the news in NZ earlier tonight and texted me about the report but didn't say anything about the PM urging NZers to leave.... think she would have mentioned it if he had.

[groovyc]

This is all pressure on Thailand to sort things out. NZ and we know things are not as bad as they say. Politics at work.

Typical knee-jerk reaction we have come to expect from NZ politics.

Just one of the reasons that make Thailand a more appealing place to live dispite its unstable governance.

I am surprised Winston Peters had not put his 2 cents worth in yet.

When expats come to work in Thailand, they usually aware of the unforeseen dangers.

like getting hit by a motorbike etc.

But they are not prepared for live ammunition whizzing past their office windows on working days in downtown bangkok,

just next to the Royal Thai Army's abruptly self-proclaimed "Life firing zone".

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-444400

Edited May 17, 2010 by groovyc

[roamer]

And before we all criticise the NZ government it was just pointed out to me that 18 years ago this week in the Democracy Monument "massacre"...hard to call it anything else, a New Zealander was killed, shot in the head after stepping out of a 7-11. In the circumstances I think its pretty hard to say the NZ government reacted too quickly.

Should also serve as a reminder to us that in LOS, same same can mean just that.

[zydeco]

This is all pressure on Thailand to sort things out. NZ and we know things are not as bad as they say. Politics at work.

This is my impression, too. Other Western governments will probably copy NZ. BTW, are similar travel warnings in effect for: Mexico, Greece, Colombia, Nicaragua, and the U.S./Mexico border? If not, then it is clear political pressure and nothing else.

[hawker9000]

Any reasonable person just can't be surprised by an embassy advisory like that. Would you expect them to wait until many more foreigners had been hurt or killed? At this point in time, with hundreds of casualties already reported (BBC apparently saying 63 dead - although that seems much higher than any other death tolls I've seen - and 240+ injured), we're going to start seeing more and more of these warnings I'm sure. I realize the vast majority of these casualties are Thai, but again, if you're a government bureaucrat, the idea is to have your warning and advisory (to avoid/leave) on the record BEFORE your own nationals start turning up on the casualty lists.

Premature? Overblown? Not by a long shot.

[roamer]

This is all pressure on Thailand to sort things out. NZ and we know things are not as bad as they say. Politics at work.

This is my impression, too. Other Western governments will probably copy NZ. BTW, are similar travel warnings in effect for: Mexico, Greece, Colombia, Nicaragua, and the U.S./Mexico border? If not, then it is clear political pressure and nothing else.

Why should there be ? Do those places also have a history of killing New Zealanders ? Wake up and smell the coffee. NZ had good reason to be cautious. Other countries may well up their advisories but will most likely do so having evaluated the situation on the ground. "we know things are not as bad as they say"...what a bloody stupid ignorant comment...how many more have to die before it gets bad then ? Fool.

[bermuda]

The start of something new to begin in Thailand within this month. All those naive and stubborn foreigners refusing to believe in what may further happen in BKK are risking their own lives. The death of a rogue Thai Major General is the catalyst to more conflicts within Thailand. The LOS will soon be embroiled in turmoil no Thais ever wanted. North Thailand versus South of Thailand with Nakhon Ratchasima as the main flash point. Watch out for a splinter Army group to battle the royalist main Army group while the Police will also have their ranks divided. When all this shows later this month, then the opposition who are now protesting and rioting in BKK will win the battle in promoting anarchy but will be trashed like pulps that they will not be able to recover again thus losing the war they started.

The days of the men behind all these chaos in Thailand are also are fast eclipsing on them. No country will ever shelter them.

Has anybody overlooked the idea that it is not only the farmers that poor but also the soldiers within the army?

[spongeman]

Its good advice from NZ. There is no consideration for human life in BKK at the moment.

They even had women and children in the compound. Mind you they did the same out at the airport did'nt they ? Women and children.

Buffoons.

[david96]

The most accurate information is from the Foreign Affairs of the Embassies, in this case NZ.

One of the duties of Foreign Affairs to monitor political developments in foreign countries.

They are the most accurate assessments of the current situation, not the opinions of "journalists" and video footage which is out of date in many cases.

The most accurate information is by direct radio link from the "front line" and this is very difficult to obtain.

They are warnings only for their own citizens.

[selftaopath]

Are “red shirts” being defined wrongly?

dem•on•stra•tor

   [dem-uh n-strey-ter] Show IPA

–noun

1.

a person or thing that demonstrates.

2.

Also, demonstrant. a person who takes part in a public demonstration, as by marching or picketing.

rev•o•lu•tion•ar•y

   [rev-uh-loo-shuh-ner-ee] Show IPAadjective, noun,plural-ar•ies.

–adjective

1.

of, pertaining to, characterized by, or of the nature of a revolution, or a sudden, complete, or marked change: a revolutionary junta.

[Squigy]

I have been through Wars, Civil and otherwise, uprisings, semi-revolutions and a few more dicey situations in my life and can honestly say that this "Warning" from the NZ Govt does not worry me in the slightest. Those who staff the Embassy in Wireless Road in my opinion are there just for a holiday. They are supposed to report fact back to Govt of NZ however sitting in their Ivory Tower they are all guesses/opinions to what their NZ story should say back to HQ. They are NOT at all qualified to speak on the Thai situation, they DO NOT have experience and all are career diplomats looking for their next posting.

In my 7 years here in Thailand every time I have gone to the NZ Embassy for information, that information has never been forth coming. I am always fobbed off by the staff. I have given up on them and the requests they put out to get registered. I also ignore the advice they put out because they lack experince in Thai affairs. I think I have a far better understanding of Thai affairs than they will ever have.

The situation in Bangkok is just a "small town punch up" by thugs who are fighting over the money supplied my Thaksin and his cronies. Nothing more than that.