UK Government Issues Thailand Travel Advice

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UK Government Issues Thailand Travel Advice



Summary

Still current at: 28 July 2016

Updated:27 July 2016

Latest update:

Summary - a referendum on the Thai constitution is due to take place on 7 August 2016; political tensions are likely to increase leading up to and during the polls; you should avoid political gatherings and monitor the advice of local authorities and local media

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla on the Thai-Malaysia border. See Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism. There have been recent incidents in Bangkok, including a bomb explosion on 17 August 2015 which resulted in numerous casualties including the death of a British national. You should follow the advice of the local authorities, monitor local media reports and remain vigilant. See Terrorism

British nationals make nearly one million visits to Thailand every year. Most visits are trouble-free, but there have been attacks (sometimes violent), particularly on the islands of Samui archipelago. Two British nationals were killed on 15 September 2014 on the island of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. See Crime

A referendum on the Thai constitution is due to take place on 7 August 2016. Political tensions are likely to increase leading up to, and during the polls. You should avoid political gatherings and monitor the advice of local authorities and local media. Certain restrictions, such as on the sale of alcohol, may be imposed at this time. You should observe local laws at all times.

On 22 May 2014 the military took control of government. Martial law was in place across Thailand until 1 April 2015 when it was lifted from all areas except the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, the Sadao district of Songkhla province and some border areas. However, Article 44 of the interim constitution gives General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), wide powers to continue to take action to enforce law and order, and restrictions remain on freedom of assembly and expression. Before the military coup there were large-scale demonstrations and protests in Bangkok and other cities. Some of these were violent. You should avoid any protests, political gatherings, demonstrations or marches.

A number of media outlets have been taken off air and some internet sites remain blocked. It’s illegal to criticise the coup and you should be wary of making political statements in public. You should monitor local news and social media for developments.

The Tourist Authority of Thailand’s website and call centre (1672 - press ‘9’ for English) are able to provide some general advice to tourists in English.

Most road traffic accidents in Thailand involve motorcycles, but accidents involving other vehicles including cars, coaches and mini-buses also occur. See Road travel

Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can include the death penalty. See Local laws and customs

Cases of locally transmitted Zika virus have been confirmed in the last 3 months. You should follow the advice of the National Travel Health Network and Centre and discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider, particularly if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Source: Gov.UK

[The stuttering parrot]

No problem avoiding political gatherings as they are banned. Polling booths will either be deserted or full of police and military so they would be a safe bet.

As for the article I'm going to be interested in the governments response considering its denial denial denial to the UN on human rights and on the other hand kowtowing to the Chinese for pointing out their citizens bad behaviour on tours.

Bit of face loss here for the government.

[Ricardo]

No warning to avoid banks or exchange-booths, as they're now giving 10%-less Baht for your Pound ?

[tifino]

Map looks no different to what has been on the [smart traveller] website for a couple of years now

[Brer Fox]

The travel warning should have specifically included ladyboys and motorbike taxidrivers on Beach Road Pattaya.

[Chapelroad]

With the recent terrorist attacks in Europe, I feel much safer here than in the U.K.

[tifino]

With the recent terrorist attacks in Europe, I feel much safer here than in the U.K.

yeah!! but, at least you know that Hungarian semi-trailer drivers are doing their very best to cull the migrants (gypsies of the the terrorist world) from getting to the UK

Edited July 28, 2016 by tifino

[useronthenet]

When the picture is painted of Thailand in that way, one wonders will the country ever join the rest of the civilized world ?

[Chapelroad]

When the picture is painted of Thailand in that way, one wonders will the country ever join the rest of the civilized world ?

As opposed to the U.K. letting in hundreds of thousands from the uncivilized world ?

[Rayk]

With the recent terrorist attacks in Europe, I feel much safer here than in the U.K.

Let's see how you feel after August 7th.

[tukkytuktuk]

It's not the referendum most people in Los are weary of. Hint, hint!

Shhhhhhhh!

[Psimbo]

One wonders how recent is 'recent'. To me Aug 2015 is a significant time ago and not particularly relevant now, given that it was centered around a specific set of events.

[Psimbo]

No warning to avoid banks or exchange-booths, as they're now giving 10%-less Baht for your Pound ?

We prefer not to discus that.

[Rc2702]

It is odd what they do in Europe now. We are fighting a war with no actual visible enemy or battleground. Like we just waiting to clean up the mess caused. Is that not mai pen rai on a whole new level. Relying on so called secret services to uncover threats. It cannot be done anymore with the new tact we are seeing in france and Germany which was likely developed as a result of the successful Norwegian anarchist brevik. I would like to see a lot being done to prevent access to terror related Internet content, instructional info on weaponry. Has the free world been completely found out and if so maybe thailand has a few preventative measures in place which europe could be adopting. This militarised government have done a good job from what I can see and the army guys on the whole seem pretty decent. I went to prachuap khiri khan last year was wonderful to see them with their families who are all respectful and well behaved. To all the long term expats please advise on this question? Thailand a safer place with the army overseeing matters yes or no?

[NCC1701A]

It is odd what they do in Europe now. We are fighting a war with no actual visible enemy or battleground. Like we just waiting to clean up the mess caused. Is that not mai pen rai on a whole new level. Relying on so called secret services to uncover threats. It cannot be done anymore with the new tact we are seeing in france and Germany which was likely developed as a result of the successful Norwegian anarchist brevik. I would like to see a lot being done to prevent access to terror related Internet content, instructional info on weaponry. Has the free world been completely found out and if so maybe thailand has a few preventative measures in place which europe could be adopting. This militarised government have done a good job from what I can see and the army guys on the whole seem pretty decent. I went to prachuap khiri khan last year was wonderful to see them with their families who are all respectful and well behaved. To all the long term expats please advise on this question? Thailand a safer place with the army overseeing matters yes or no?

yes, in Hua Hin small time police corruption dropped off. far less illegal police road blocks and checkpoints.

Immigration office much better now, extremely friendly and professional with immigration officers names displayed, phone numbers to call if you have a problem.

harder to get a drivers license as the test is longer. still a joke.

the army cleaned up the huge oil slick on the beach in Hua Hin.

[nakhonandy]

When the picture is painted of Thailand in that way, one wonders will the country ever join the rest of the civilized world ?

As opposed to the U.K. letting in hundreds of thousands from the uncivilized world ?

Hundreds of thousands really?

From where exactly?

I think you might find the immigration rules for the UK changing dramatically soon!

[hansnl]

When the picture is painted of Thailand in that way, one wonders will the country ever join the rest of the civilized world ?

As opposed to the U.K. letting in hundreds of thousands from the uncivilized world ?

Hundreds of thousands really?

From where exactly?

I think you might find the immigration rules for the UK changing dramatically soon!

Better said, the problem is inside already, now we will be closing the door.

And when are the insiders sent back?

[nakhonandy]

When the picture is painted of Thailand in that way, one wonders will the country ever join the rest of the civilized world ?

As opposed to the U.K. letting in hundreds of thousands from the uncivilized world ?

Hundreds of thousands really?

From where exactly?

I think you might find the immigration rules for the UK changing dramatically soon!

Better said, the problem is inside already, now we will be closing the door.

And when are the insiders sent back?

Too late for that unfortunately. Other than kicking out failed asylum seekers.

Other than that the government just have to fight the terrorists as they appear, we have before. No easy solution to this.

[Chapelroad]

Too late for that unfortunately. Other than kicking out failed asylum seekers.

Other than that the government just have to fight the terrorists as they appear, we have before. No easy solution to this.

Fight the terrorists as they appear.

Never heard of 'sleepers' ?

[HerbalEd]

No warning to avoid banks or exchange-booths, as they're now giving 10%-less Baht for your Pound ?

The Brits are the reason for the poor exchange rate, not the Thais.

[BlindMagician]

"...recent incidents in Bangkok, including a bomb explosion on 17 August 2015 "

Call that recent?

Pretty much useless map and travel warnings.

There's constant danger, if not only from road deaths, let alone all the other goings on.

[MissAndry]

With the recent terrorist attacks in Europe, I feel much safer here than in the U.K.

France and Germany are off my holiday list, but not Thailand.

[Rod Gold]

Be on your guard against pickpockets and bag snatchers. Foreigners have had items snatched by thieves on motorbikes when walking along busy streets or travelling in open transport.

Violent sexual assaults and unprovoked attacks have been reported in popular tourist destinations.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/safety-and-security (made avail for all you purists)

One could reasonably ask: "What 3rd world undeveloped African country are they referring to?"

[thaimelody]

The warning also made clear the dangers of using certain websites / blogs in light of reports of:

grumpioldmanitus,

selfopinionatedbsness,

negativitichocus.

Long term use of such sites may result in symptoms of 1) believing one's right to be hyper critical of others 2) a general feeling of superiority based on birth country and other feelings which are generally unattractive.

Thankfully we are all safe on tv but be aware

[arrowsdawdle]

Map looks no different to what has been on the [smart traveller] website for a couple of years now

Different to???? Is that like similar from????

[mikebell]

The travel warning should have specifically included ladyboys and motorbike taxidrivers on Beach Road Pattaya.

And police.

[ScotBkk]

When the picture is painted of Thailand in that way, one wonders will the country ever join the rest of the civilized world ?

Bang on

Most sensible and direct comment IMHO. Soon I predict TV members online will not be able to say Boo to a ghost in months to come? It's getting difficult to make any comments these days without having to figure out what faction your going to upset. Admittedly, I tag along on TV as some of you guys make good points occasionally and keep me amused.

Thanks Gents .......

[Strangebrew]

Look all you knuckleheads should stay away your driving up cost's on funtime for those of us that live here.