AUSTRALIA TRAVEL WARNING: ThailandPUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT29 June 2005 Thailand
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information on safety and security. The overall level of the advice has not changed. Australians in Thailand are advised to exercise extreme caution. We continue to receive reports that terrorist elements in South East Asia are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Areas of the west coast of Thailand were hit by a large tsunami on 26 December 2004. Some facilities on Phi Phi Island and Khao Lak coast in Phang Na Province remain disrupted. Travellers should check with accommodation providers in advance that accommodation is operational and well serviced. Other tourist areas in Phuket were not affected or have resumed normal operations. The Gulf of Thailand coast, including Koh Samui and Pattaya, was not affected by the tsunami.Australians are advised to defer non-essential travel to the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, including overland travel to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces. There have been numerous security incidents in these provinces since early 2004, including bombings of public areas and facilities. Further incidents are possible at any time. While so far this violence has been limited to Southern Thailand, the escalation of violence in the South may result in attacks elsewhere in Thailand including Bangkok and other tourist areas. Safety and SecurityTerrorism Australian travellers should be aware of the threat of terrorism globally and should read this travel advice in conjunction with the General Advice to Australian Travellers. Australians in Thailand are advised to exercise extreme caution. We continue to receive reports that terrorist elements in South East Asia are planning attacks. These could occur at any time and could be directed against any locations frequented by foreigners such as, but not limited to, embassies, shopping malls, clubs, hotels, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas. Infrastructure associated with the Thai Government such as public transport, airports, sea ports and public buildings is also a potential terrorist target. Security at the Australian Embassy in Bangkok remains at a high level as a precautionary measure. Australians are advised to defer non-essential travel to the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, including overland travel to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces. Terrorists have targeted railways in the Thai southern provinces with further attacks possible. Thai separatists have threatened attacks against foreigners and warned foreign tourists not to travel to these areas. Terrorist threats in southern Thailand exist against the backdrop of ongoing violence. Political tension and violent incidents in southern Thailand have been taking place for many years, however, the frequency and intensity of these incidents has escalated over the past few years. Further incidents could occur at any time. Violent incidents have included civil disturbances, explosions in bars and shopping districts, armed attacks on security forces and civilians and torching of schools. In April 2005 a series of bombs were detonated in Songkhla at the international airport, a hotel and a department store resulting in the deaths and injuries of a number of people. Martial law is in place throughout a number of districts and curfews have been introduced in some areas. While so far this violence has been limited to Southern Thailand, the escalation of violence in the South may result in attacks elsewhere in Thailand, including Bangkok and other tourist areas. Civil Unrest/Political Tension Demonstrations occur and there have been occasions where authorities have used force to disperse demonstrators. There is ongoing conflict and banditry along some sections of the Burma/Thai border. This includes conflict between the Burmese military and armed opposition groups as well as clashes between Thai security forces and armed criminal groups, such as drug traffickers. Up-to-date local advice can be obtained from the local Tourist Police or security officials on the safety of travel to specific areas along the border. Travel in border areas at night and camping in undesignated areas in national parks is particularly dangerous due to the risk of kidnapping. There have also been occasional reports of banditry and violence along isolated parts of the borders with both Cambodia and Laos. Travellers who have attempted border illegal crossings have been detained and deported from Thailand. Personal Security There have been instances of robbery and violence by the drivers of unauthorised taxis. The clearly marked official service counters in the arrival area of Bangkok's Don Muang airport can provide information on transportation to the city and hotels. The airport bus service is also reliable. There have been a number of instances of sexual assault, food and drink spiking, assault and robbery against foreigners. This risk is particularly acute in popular backpacker destinations, especially around Khao San Road in Bangkok and the night-time entertainment zones of Bangkok and Pattaya, including the monthly Full Moon Parties at Koh Phangan. Petty crime is common. There have been reports of money and passports being stolen from rooms (particularly in cheaper establishments) and from bags on public transport (including on overnight bus services, notably between Bangkok and Surat Thani). There have also been reports of bags being sliced open by razor blades and valuable contents covertly removed in areas frequented by tourists. Swimming at beaches in Phuket and other resorts can be dangerous due to strong undertows; drownings are frequent. There have also been fatalities from jellyfish stings on Koh Phangan in Southern Thailand. Local authorities can provide advice on safe areas to swim. Motor cycle accidents are a very common occurrence, particularly in resort areas such as Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui. It is obligatory for riders and passengers to wear helmets even if not provided by motorcycle taxis. Both an international and Australian driver's licence are required to drive or ride legally and validate any applicable insurance, despite advice to the contrary of some car and motorcycle rental companies. Australians intending to hire cars, motorcycles, jet skis or other motorised water sport equipment should seek advice on the insurance status of such activities. Unsolicited approaches by individuals recommending or offering various goods or services, particularly for assistance with shopping for jewellery and gems have in the past proven to be scams. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) can provide advice on shopping for jewellery and gems. Travellers have lost large sums of money through bogus investment schemes and card game scams. Gambling is illegal in Thailand. Prior to travel, Australians should ensure they have a variety of financial options available to them including credit cards, travellers' cheques and cash. Australians should consult their automatic teller machine (ATM) card provider for information about overseas services and availability. Not all overseas ATMs accept Australian cards. Australians should only carry sufficient cash for their daily needs, secure their valuables against theft and avoid displays of wealth at all times. Photocopies of valuables such as passport, tickets, driving licence and travellers' cheques should be kept separately from the originals. You are required by law to report a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible. As of 1 July 2005, you need to pay an additional fee to have it replaced. In some cases, the Government may restrict the length of validity or type of replacement document. Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. Local Conditions Areas of the west coast of Thailand were hit by a large tsunami on 26 December 2004. Some services and facilities on Phi Phi Island and Khao Lak coast in Phang Na Province remain disrupted. Travellers should check with accommodation providers in advance that accommodation is operational and well serviced. Other tourist areas in Phuket were not affected or have returned to normal operations. The Gulf of Thailand coast, including Koh Samui and Pattaya, was not affected by the tsunami. Ferry disasters in January and February 2005 which resulted in multiple casualties, including tourists, highlight the lack of uniform safety standards amongst some local operators. Vessel passenger limits may not be observed and sufficient life jackets are not always provided. Widespread seasonal flooding is common but does not generally affect popular tourist destinations. North Eastern, Northern and Central Thailand can be affected periodically from June to November. Flooding in Southern Thailand can occur during varying local rainy seasons. In the event of a natural disaster, local authorities will provide advice. Local Law and Customs Australians are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local laws and legal processes can be very different from those in Australia. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or unjust by Australian standards. There are very severe penalties for all drug offences in Thailand, including the death penalty. Even possession of small quantities of 'soft drugs' for recreational purposes attracts lengthy jail sentences, heavy fines and deportation. Some Australian criminal laws, including - but not limited to - those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, have extraterritorial effect. Australians who commit such offences outside of Australia may be prosecuted in Australia for those offences. Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia. Entry and Exit Requirements Visa conditions are subject to change. For up-to-date visa information, Australians should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Thailand, well in advance of travel. Visas, entry permits and extensions of stay must be obtained from Thai immigration authorities. A number of agents advertise visa extension services and then provide fraudulent or illegally obtained exit and entry stamps in passports. Australians found to have illegal stamps in their passports risk arrest, and punishment of between one and ten years imprisonment and a large fine - Thai authorities have made clear their intention to vigorously prosecute these criminal offences. Travellers overstaying their entry permits will not be allowed to leave Thailand until a fine is paid, currently 200 Baht per day. Long term visa overstayers may be arrested, prosecuted in court, imprisoned, deported and placed on an immigration blacklist preventing them from returning to Thailand. Working without a work permit is illegal. Individuals are responsible for ensuring they hold the correct work permit. In the past, some employers (particularly of securities telemarketers and currency traders) have promised to arrange work permits and their employees have later been jailed, fined and deported from Thailand as legal permits were not obtained from the Labour Ministry. The Australian Embassy cannot provide assistance in obtaining visas or work permits. An airport terminal fee of 500 Baht is payable in cash before departing Bangkok international airport. Travellers are not permitted to board their flight until this is paid. Health Issues In the past year there have been human cases of avian influenza in Thailand. Australians should read this travel advice in conjunction with our travel bulletin on avian influenza. For information on prevalent diseases and inoculations, travellers should consult their doctor, travel clinic or the World Health Organization (WHO). Further information can be found in our 'Travelling Well' brochure. Travel and Health Insurance Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular, travellers should seek advice from their insurer on what type of circumstances and activities are the subject of exclusions in their policy. | 
