Thailand Travel Advice 21st Jan 2014

An update on the travel advice for the civil unrest in Thailand: On 21 January 2014 the Thai Government declared a 60-day State of Emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas from 22 January 2014. This gives the Government additional powers including the power to impose curfews and bans on assembly, restrict information dissemination, and impose restrictions on travel and access to buildings. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advice for Thailand has been updated with an amendment. FCO advise against all but essential travel to the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla on the Thai-Malaysia border. The FCO advise against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) temple area and the Ta Krabey/Ta Moan temple area located on the Thai-Cambodian border due to the presence of troops in the area and the risk of outbreaks of fighting and a high threat of terrorism. Political demonstrations continue in and around Bangkok and elsewhere in Thailand. Some of these have been violent, including the use of firearms, and there have been casualties and deaths. The situation is unpredictable and further protests are expected. Customers should take extra care and avoid all protests, political gatherings, demonstrations and marches. If travelling to the airport, allow extra time to take account of possible transport delays, and consider using the airport rail link. Monitor local news and social media for developments. The Thai authorities have set up a Tourist’s Friend Centre to provide information for tourists. Offices are located at the Sport Authority of Thailand in the Bangkapi district of Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, four BTS Skytrain stations (Siam, Phya Thai, Ekkamai and Wong Wian Yai) and Hua Lampong MRT station. You can also contact the Tourist’s Friend Centre by telephone on +66 (0)2 314 1212 (in English – 24 hours).