Thailand - Travel Advice

26 November 2013

Travel Advice

from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Thailand Thailand overall

• Exercise normal safety precautions
• Exercise a high degree of caution
• Reconsider your need to travel
• Do not travel

Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla

·         Exercise normal safety precautions

·         Exercise a high degree of caution

·         Reconsider your need to travel

·         Do not travel

Latest update

This Advice was last issued on Tuesday, 26 November 2013.   It contains new information in the Summary and under Civil unrest/political tensions (political demonstrations have occurred in various parts of Bangkok throughout November 2013 and may continue. You should monitor these developments and plan your travel accordingly). We continue to advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand overall due to the threat of terrorist attack, and not to travel in the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla.

Summary

• We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand due to the threat of terrorist attack, particularly in the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, where we advise you not to travel. For more information on the threat of terrorist attack in Thailand, including in Bangkok, see under Safety and Security: Terrorism.
• Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
• Political demonstrations have occurred in various parts of Bangkok throughout November 2013 and may continue. The Internal Security Act, which gives authorities additional powers to manage protests, is currently in force in Bangkok and some areas of surrounding provinces.
• You should monitor developments that might affect your safety in Thailand.
• Carefully consider your safety and the implications of accidents if you hire a motorcycle or jet ski and seek advice on any restrictions that may apply (such as insurance cover if you are not licensed to ride a motorcycle in Australia). You should check with your travel insurer whether these activities are covered by your policy. You may be detained and arrested by police following jet ski and motorcycle accidents until compensation, often in thousands of dollars, can be negotiated between parties.
• Australian travellers continue to report harassment and threats of violence by jet ski operators on beaches across Thailand, and particularly in Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
• Tourists may be exposed to scams and more serious criminal activity in Thailand. Be aware that food and drink spiking occurs in Thailand, including around popular backpacker destinations such as Khao San Road in Bangkok the night-time entertainment zones in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket, and during the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan.