Thailand Travel Warning

14 January 2014

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, 14 January 2014.   It contains updated information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Civil unrest/political tension (protestors have occupied a number of major intersections in Bangkok since 13 January 2014; you should expect travel delays during this period; Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok are currently operating normally; Thai authorities recommend that travellers allow extra time for travel to the airport). We advise Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand due to the possibility of civil unrest and the threat of terrorist attack. We advise you not to travel to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla due to high levels of ongoing violence in these areas.

Summary

  • We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand due to the possibility of civil unrest and the threat of terrorist attack. You should pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
  • The Thai Government has called national elections on 2 February 2014. Political demonstrations have occurred in various parts of Bangkok since November 2013 and are likely to continue.
  • Protestors have occupied a number of major intersections in Bangkok since 13 January 2014, disrupting local traffic and some commercial activity. These protests are likely to continue. You should expect traffic disruptions, blockages and delays during this period and plan accordingly (for example, by familiarising yourself with any alternate transport options).
  • Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok are currently operating normally. Thai authorities recommend that travellers allow extra time for travel to the airport.
  • The Internal Security Act, which gives authorities additional powers to manage protests, is currently in force in Bangkok and some areas of surrounding provinces.
  • Demonstrations have also occurred in other centres outside of Bangkok, including Phuket town.