Bangkok & Chiang Mai

A number of countries have revised their travel advice for Thailand the past few weeks. The latest travel advice can be found on the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of most countries. See for instance the websites of the UK and USA. Since 21 May there have been no incidents anymore. All roads in Bangkok have been cleared and are free for use. Traffic is normal again. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are safe as before. Excursions and roundtrip tours in Bangkok and Chiang Mai can be done and are operated normally again. Public transport, including the BTS Sky Train, MRT underground, bus services and canal boats are fully operational. Mobile phone networks operate normally. Most embassies are opened again to the public. Most hotels around the demonstration area have reopened. 

Suvarnabhumi Airport

Flights to and from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International airport are operated normally. International transit flights via Suvarnabhumi Airport are not restricted, these flights will run normally and your short stop at Bangkok Airport will not be hindered. The route to the airport from Bangkok city remains open but you should make sure to be at Bangkok Airport outside the curfew hours.

Rest of Thailand

Outside Bangkok and Chiang Mai the situation is back to normal and Thailand is safe as usual. Many major tourist destinations including Kanchanaburi (River Kwai), Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, the Golden Triangle and Khao Sok National Park (Tree Tops) were not affected by the demonstrations. Almost all beach destinations have been undisturbed by the demonstrations and you can enjoy your beach holiday normally.

Preah Vihear temple (Khao Phra Wihan)

We advise against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khao Pra Wihan in Thai) temple area. The Thai and Cambodian governments have a dispute over the international border around this temple. Soldiers are present at both sides of the borders and on various incidents shootings have taken place. Roads to the area are closed.

Southern provinces

There has been a resurgence of violence in the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla. This has included attempts to sabotage the railways and lethal attacks on public buses. These provinces are unsafe and we advise against all travel to these provinces.

Security and terrorism

The demonstrations have ended. Most rallyleaders are arrested and have called upon their followers to cease their activities. The political situation in Thailand has consequently quieted down, but is not yet stable. The possibility of renewed demonstrations and attacks in Thailand is unlikely but can not yet be excluded. We recommend to be alert at public places (such as parks) for renewed demonstrations. This applies in particular to Bangkok and provinces surrounding Bangkok, the north and northeast of Thailand. Avoid public demonstrations and gatherings, avoid people dressed in red shirts and avoid any form of confrontation.

Thailands political situation

Over recent years there have been instances of civil and political unrest resulting in large-scale demonstrations and, in some cases violence. In April 2009, civil unrest occurred in Bangkok and the seaside resort of Pattaya, which was hosting the ASEAN Summit. In 2008, political unrest and demonstrations in Bangkok sparked a series of violent incidents, including grenade attacks, which caused several fatalities. At the end of November 2008, Bangkok’s two airports (Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Muang Airport) were closed for two weeks after being occupied by anti-government protestors. On 19 September 2006, there was a coup against the Thai civilian government, and martial law was imposed throughout the country. Visitors to Thailand are advised to exercise caution throughout Thailand and avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, which may turn violent.

Far south

Since January 2004, there have been frequent attacks in the southern 4 provinces Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla. These include arson, bombings and shootings. Targets have included civilians and members of the security forces, government offices, tourist hotels, discotheques and bars, shops, marketplaces, supermarkets, schools, transport infrastructure and trains. Over 3,000 people have been killed and several thousand more injured, among which some foreign nationals. There is a state of emergency in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Security authorities can detain suspects without charge, censor the media, conduct searches and seize documents. Martial law is also in place in the Chana and Thepha districts of Songkhla province.

Legal disclaimer

The purpose of this travel advice is to provide information and views to help foreigners to form their own judgements about travelling to or operating in Thailand. While every care is taken in preparing the above advice and information, Thaitraveldreams does not assume any responsibility, including legal and financial responsibility, to those who read the above information and who may choose to take it into account when making any decisions relating to Thailand. Neither us, foreign governments nor local embassies can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in any respect of any statement contained in this newsletter.