Thailand FCO Travel update 13th May 2010

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has advised against all travel to specific parts of Thailand. They also advise against all but essential travel to other specific parts of Thailand, including Bangkok.

Thailand FCO Travel Summary

We advise against all but essential travel to the city of Bangkok, in view of the continued political unrest.
Reports indicate that the Thai Government is planning to take measures to increase the pressure on the red shirt demonstrators currently located around the Ratchaprasong intersection, the central business district of Bangkok. These measures may include an increase in security personnel and disruption to utilities and public transport in the Ratchaprasong area. Tensions remain high in and around the Ratchaprasong intersection and there could be an outbreak of violence. You should avoid this area and if violence breaks out remain indoors and monitor the media and this travel advice.
A large number of anti-government ("Red Shirt") protestors are based at the Ratchaprasong intersection in central Bangkok. Many shops and businesses in the area are closed and there is severe traffic disruption at the rally site and surrounding area. Groups opposed to the Red Shirts have held counter-demonstrations close to the Red Shirt protest area. There have been several instances of violent clashes between groups of protestors.
You should exercise caution, especially in the northern provinces and the eastern city of Pattaya. The political situation is unpredictable and throughout Thailand there is a continued risk that protests may result in violent disturbances. Travellers are advised to avoid political demonstrations and large gatherings.
We advise against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) temple area, due to violence in the area.
We advise against all but essential travel to, or through, the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, due to the insurgency in these areas. See the Terrorism / Security section of this Travel Advice.
On 21 April, one foreign tourist was injured during a confrontation between protest groups in Bangkok. On 10 April violent clashes in Bangkok between anti-government (Red Shirt) protestors and security forces left 25 dead and many hundreds injured. On 28 April there were serious clashes between troops and anti-government protestors as they travelled towards Talad Thai in Pathumthani province (close to Bangkok’s second airport, Don Muang). One soldier was killed and at least ten people were injured. On 30 April, operations at Khon Kaen airport in northeastern Thailand were briefly disrupted following tension between rival groups of protestors.
In recent weeks, protests and violent incidents have taken place in other parts of Thailand including popular tourist destinations such as Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ayuthaya and other locations. On 26/27 April there were at least eight incidents in various parts of Thailand involving protestors setting up barricades, in some instances leading to clashes with the security forces. See the Terrorism / Security section of this Travel Advice.
If you are already in Thailand, you should consider whether it is essential for you to travel to Bangkok. Wherever possible, you should take transport services which do not involve transiting areas of Bangkok where political protests are taking place.
If violence breaks out near where you are staying you should stay indoors, monitor the media and regularly check FCO Travel Advice. We advise extra vigilance at night when the majority of violent incidents have occurred. Leaders of protest groups have previously made threats of violence across Thailand. You should stay in close contact with your tour operator, if you have one, who may be able to advise you on the implications of this advice for their operations.
Suvarnabhumi airport is operating as normal. The route to the airport from Bangkok city remains open. For advice about travelling abroad see the local Travel section. FCO advice against all but essential travel does not apply to passengers transiting Bangkok airport on their way to other destinations.
There is a high threat of terrorism in Thailand. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. There have been a number of bomb and grenade explosions in Bangkok this year. See the Terrorism section of this Travel Advice.
On 9 May, a small explosion occurred near the Siam BTS station. No one was injured. In the early hours of 8 May, three grenades were fired into a police shelter near gate 4 of Lumpini Park, killing one policeman and injuring eight. On 7 May, a policeman was killed and five injured after a shooting outside the Krung Thai Bank on Silom Road. On 22 April, five grenades were fired from M-79 launchers at the Skytrain (BTS) station at Sala Daeng and nearby areas, killing at least one person and injuring 75 others, including three foreign nationals. There remains tension in this area, which is patrolled by large numbers of armed troops. The Skytrain and the MRT (underground metro) have been subject to disruption.
In response to anti-government protests, the Thai government declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and some of its surrounding provinces from 7 April 2010. This prohibits gatherings of five or more people in some areas and may restrict travel. British nationals requiring consular assistance should call 02 305 8333 (in Thailand).