UK TRAVEL WARNING: ThailandPUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT17 August 2005 Thailand
SUMMARY- On 14 July, a series of co-ordinated attacks was made on Yala City. There were two fatalities. On 19 July, the Thai government announced a serious state of emergency in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.
- There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Thailand, particularly in the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla. We recommend against all but essential travel to these four provinces where, since January 2004, there have been regular attacks including bombings and shootings. On 3 April 2005, three bombs exploded in Songkhla Province, one at Hat Yai International Airport, one at a hotel and one in a shopping centre. Further attacks against places frequented by foreigners could occur at any time.
- Tsunami: Information for British nationals affected by the tsunami and their relatives and friends can be found at http://www.fco.gov.uk. Family members and friends visiting Thailand in connection with the tsunami are requested to contact the British Embassy in Bangkok or the British Office in Phuket. Contact details for the British Embassy and the British Office in Phuket can be found in the Natural Disasters section below.
- Services and facilities in most areas of Thailand affected by the tsunami, including Phuket are now operating normally. But on the coast of Khao Lak and on Phi Phi island many houses, shops, hotels and tourist accommodation have been destroyed although some resorts are now open. Although most services have been repaired some may still not be back to pre-tsunami standards. If you are planning to visit any of these places, you should first check with your travel and accommodation agents to ensure that it is safe and practical to do so
- Watch out for crimes of opportunity. Theft of passports and credit cards is a problem. Passport fraud is high and penalties are severe.
- Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can include the death penalty.
- There has been an increase since January 2005 in the number of reported cases of dengue fever, and the Thai Ministry of Public Health has now issued a nationwide dengue epidemic alert. In a very small number of cases, Dengue Fever can be fatal if left untreated. If you suffer from a fever whilst (or shortly after) visiting Thailand, you should consult a doctor.
- There were outbreaks of Avian Influenza (bird flu) amongst poultry in Thailand in 2004, when there were a number of human fatalities. There have been a smaller number of outbreaks of bird flu in Thailand during 2005, but without any human fatalities so far. Travellers to Thailand are unlikely to be affected by Avian Influenza, but you should avoid places where you may come into contact with live poultry.
- By law, tourists are expected to carry their original passports at all times in Thailand.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
SAFETY AND SECURITYTerrorism/Security There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Thailand particularly in the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla. We recommend against all but essential travel to these four provinces. On 14 July, a series of coordinated attacks was made on Yala City. There were two fatalities. On 19 July, the Thai government announced a serious state of emergency in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, under a new piece of emergency legislation, which gives security authorities significant extra powers. Special security measures have remained in place at all airports since the bombing of Hat Yai International Airport in April 2005.Since January 2004, there have been regular attacks in these far southern provinces, including bombings and shootings. Targets have included tourist hotels and bars, shops, marketplaces, supermarkets and transport infrastructure. Over 800 people have been killed and several hundred more injured. No British tourists have been killed but some foreign citizens have been killed and injured. On 3 April 2005, three bombs exploded in Songkhla Province, one at Hat Yai International Airport, one at a hotel and one in a shopping centre. Two people were killed and at least 15 seriously injured. On 25 October 2004, at least 85 demonstrators died in Tak Bai, Narathiwat province, following clashes between demonstrators and members of the Thai security forces. On 28 April 2004, there were attacks on security forces in 10 locations in Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces, killing 106 militants and five members of the security forces. Further attacks in Thailand could be indiscriminate and against places frequented by foreigners. Following the increased violence in the far south, the Thai authorities have taken additional security measures in other parts of the country, including tourist centres and Bangkok. Westerners have been deliberately targeted in large-scale terrorist attacks in neighbouring Indonesia. The extremist group Jamaah Islamiyah is thought to be responsible for the bombings in Bali (October 2002) and Jakarta (August 2003 and September 2004). The Thai authorities have arrested a number of terrorist suspects, most notably a senior leader of Jamaah Islamiyah. Please read Security and General Tips in the 'While you are there' section and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas on the FCO website for further information and advice. Crime Five British nationals have been murdered in Thailand since August 2004. Unlicensed taxis and minibuses often overcharge tourists for airport transfers. You are advised to ensure that the driver has a working meter or agree a charge for the ride before taking it. Airport limousines (usually more expensive) or licensed taxis can be hired from the official taxi rank at Bangkok airport or other international and domestic airports. There is a cheap, reliable airport bus service to the centre of Bangkok. There have been a number of incidents where tourists have had their drinks drugged (in both tourist areas and red light districts) by prostitutes/transsexuals ("lady boys"). This can cause severe mental problems. Travellers should be careful about taking drinks from strangers and be wary at parties, particularly the Full Moon party on Phan Ngan Island. We continue to receive reports of sexual assault on foreign women and men. Female travellers in particular should maintain a high state of personal awareness during their time in Thailand. Travellers should be aware of being approached by strangers who take them to gem shops (this often occurs at the Grand Palace where tuk tuk drivers tell tourists that the Palace is closed, when in fact it is still open). Once in the shop you may be asked to purchase gems on your credit card. The gems are sent to your home address in the UK. However, they are never worth the value you pay for them. It is very difficult to get your money returned as the shops shut down quickly and re-open somewhere else. Local TravelThere has been a resurgence of violence in the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla. We recommend against all but essential travel to these four provinces. Thai to Burma Border The main towns along the order with Burma are generally safe. But if you plan to travel to remoter areas you should exercise particular care. There is sporadic conflict on the Burmese side between Government soldiers and armed opposition troops, some of whom cross the border into Thailand to seek refuge. There are also occasional clashes between the Thai security forces and armed criminal groups, such as drug traffickers who operate in these areas. Outside the main towns, police and military checkpoints are actively manned and travellers may be asked to produce identification. If you wish to visit border areas outside the main towns you should consult the local authorities for advice on the current situation at: http://www.tourismthailand.org/. Travelling to Cambodia There are two legal land crossing points into and out of Cambodia for foreigners: Srakaew Province to Poipet, open daily 07:30 hours to 20:00 hours; and Klong Yai at Had Lek, Trad Province to Koh Kong, open daily 07:00 hours to 20:00 hours. British nationals need a visa for Cambodia (see travel advice for Cambodia). Crossing to Laos Visas on arrival are available at the principal entry points, the Thai to Lao Friendship Bridge, Luang Prabang and Vientiane Airports, on payment of 30 American Dollars cash and provision of a passport photograph. A prior visa is required at all other entry points; not all are open to foreigners (see travel advice for Laos. Road Safety Riding a motorcycle or scooter in Thailand can be dangerous. An average of 38 people a day die in motorcycle accidents in Thailand. You should take the same safety precautions as in the United Kingdom. The Thai law that safety helmets must be worn is widely ignored: a contributing factor in many tourist deaths each year. The motorcycles or scooters available for hire in beach resorts are usually mopeds of less that 50cc. They are not registered as a vehicle and cannot, consequently, be used legally on a public road. Motorcycles or scooters of under 50cc are not covered by insurance and if there is an accident, the hirer is responsible for any damage or loss of the vehicle or injury to a third party. When the motorcycle is over 50cc you should check your travel insurance policy carefully to ensure that you are covered. Before you hire a vehicle check the small print of the lease agreement carefully. You should not hand over your passport as a guarantee against returning a motor scooter or cycle. They can be held to ransom by unscrupulous owners against claimed damage to the motor scooter or cycle. Air Safety Phuket Airlines' operating permit has been suspended on the UK route for the summer season, with effect from 25 April. If booked on Phuket Airlines, you should check with your ticket provider. Sea Safety There have been a number of passenger boat sinkings since January 2005, causing loss of life including four British nationals. In all cases the boats were thought to have been overloaded. You should take care not to travel on boats carrying more passengers than their designed capacity and ensure that life jackets are available. There have been attacks against ships in and around Thailand's waters. Mariners are advised to be vigilant; reduce opportunities for theft; establish secure areas onboard; and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities. You should take particular care when swimming off coastal areas, especially during monsoon season. Strong riptides have resulted in a number of drownings in several areas including Phuket, Koh Chang, Hua Hin/Cha-am and Pattaya. Water sports and scuba diving: the standards maintained by diving schools and rescue services are not always as high and comprehensive as they might be in the United Kingdom. Those dive shops affiliated to major international training organisations are likely to run a better operation. Check a dive operator's credentials carefully before using them. Take care when swimming in the sea. Jellyfish can swim close to the shore, particularly during the rainy season from May to October. Their sting can be fatal. If in doubt take local advice e.g. from hotel management, dive centres. Rail Safety On 17 January 2005, a train accident occurred on the Bangkok subway system in which over 200 people were injured, about two dozen seriously. River Safety Particular care should be taken when swimming/diving/kayaking in the Mekong River or close to waterfalls. Currents are extremely strong. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMSYou should not become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment. Possession of Marijuana can lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years plus a fine of Baht 150,000 (£2,300). Amphetamines and Ecstasy are regarded as a class A drugs and possession or trafficking of them carries the same penalties as, for example, heroin. Possession of 20 grams, or over, of a class A drug at a point of exit from Thailand results in a charge of illegal possession, possession for distribution and attempt to smuggle and export, i.e. trafficking. A guilty verdict usually attracts the death sentence. By law, tourists are expected to carry their original passports at all times in Thailand. There have been recent incidents where tourists have been arrested because they were unable to produce their passport. It is a criminal offence to make critical or defamatory comments about the King or other members of the Royal family, punishable by a sentence of 3 to 15 years. ENTRY REQUIREMENTSVisas British passport holders are given entry for 30 days, without a visa, on arrival. If you need a visa for longer periods contact: Thai representation in the UK. Overstaying the period of entry originally given by the Immigration Officer, without the proper authority, is a serious matter and you can be held in detention until a fine is paid, currently 200 Baht a day with a maximum fine of 20,000 Baht. The only legal way of obtaining a new visa, entry permit or extension of stay is from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, an Immigration Officer at a point of entry into Thailand or one of the Immigration Offices around the country. Visas issued by visa shops, travel agents or by any other means are likely to be illegal and lead to criminal proceedings. There have been several arrests of British nationals who have had illegal stamps in their passports. If you are arrested on these charges you could face between one and ten years imprisonment and/or a large fine. You would also be prohibited from entering Thailand again. Entry to Thailand is normally refused if you have a passport with less than six months validity. Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country, or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please check with the Royal Thai Embassy, 29-30 Queen's Gate, London, SW7 5JB; tel: 020 7589 2944; fax: 020 7823 9695; e-mail: thaiduto@btinternet.com; website: http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk Airport tax An airport tax of 500 Baht per person, not incorporated in tickets is payable on departure. Foreign currency is not accepted. Airport tax for domestic flights is included in tickets. The exception is Koh Samui where there is a domestic departure tax of 400 Baht per person. Employment in Thailand You need a work permit, which is difficult to obtain, for legal employment in Thailand. If you enter Thailand on a tourist visa you are not allowed to take up employment. Failure to observe this rule can lead to arrest and deportation. The process to obtain a work permit is long and bureaucratic. Treat advertisements, for example, for sales staff or currency trading advisers offering free flights and five star accommodation in Bangkok with the utmost scepticism. Do not believe employers' claims to be able to circumvent the Thai Immigration Regulations. If in doubt consult Thai representation in the UK. HEALTHWe strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. There are excellent international hospitals in Bangkok but they can be expensive. Ordinary hospitals and clinics in Thailand are not always up to UK standards. This applies particularly to the coastal islands and many mainland districts outside of Bangkok, where hospitals and clinics are not equipped to deal with major trauma. Many hospitals require the authorisation of next of kin to perform operations on patients and guarantee of payment for the hospital bills from immediate next of kin. The Embassy cannot authorise doctors to carry out operations, nor can they guarantee payment of hospital bills. Travellers are advised to complete next of kin details in the back of their passports. Avian Influenza Since January 2004, there have been over 50 human deaths in Asia confirmed as resulting from Avian Influenza (also known as Avian Flu and Bird Flu). The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported on the possibility of a human flu pandemic following this outbreak. Further information and advice is provided in the Avian influenza factsheet on the FCO website. Dengue Fever Since January 2005 the number of reported cases in Thailand and in particular Southern Thailand has increased sharply. There have been a total of more than 8,900 cases reported in the period from January – May, with 17 deaths. The Thai Ministry of Public Health issued a nationwide dengue epidemic alert on 9 May. The rainy season - the peak season for Dengue Fever - has now started in Thailand. You should be aware of the risk, and take preventative measures to avoid being bitten by the Aedes mosquito which transmits the dengue virus. Symptoms include sudden high fever, a rash, aching muscles and joints, and severe headaches and backaches. There is no specific treatment for Dengue Fever beyond bedrest and plenty of fluids. In a very small number of cases this can develop into the more severe dengue haemorrhagic fever, the symptoms for which include bleeding and sometimes shock. This form of Dengue Fever can be fatal if left untreated. If you suffer from a fever whilst (or shortly after) visiting Thailand, you should consult a doctor. Detailed information about dengue fever is available on the WHO website: http://www.who.int/topics/dengue/en/. HIV / AIDS Thailand has an epidemic of HIV infection and AIDS. Heterosexual transmission accounts for most HIV infections and HIV is common among prostitutes of both sexes. For further information on health, check the Department of Health's website at: www.dh.gov.uk. NATURAL DISASTERSFlash floods on 14 August 2005 The north of Thailand suffered flash floods on 14 August, with the provinces of Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai particularly badly affected. The floodwaters have now largely receded. While the majority of roads and the Bangkok-Chiang Mai railway line have re-opened, travellers should continue to exercise caution when travelling in the affected areas. The Honorary Consulate in Chiang Mai was damaged during the floods, and will be closed temporarily until the damage is repaired. In the meantime all public enquiries for Chiang Mai should be directed to the British Embassy in Bangkok (contact details below). Asian Earthquake of 28 March 2005 The earthquake which took place off the Indonesian coast on 28 March was widely felt in Thailand, but caused little damage, no direct casualties and did not give rise to another tsunami. Tidal waves/Earthquake - 26 December 2004: Like a number of other countries in the region, Thailand was hit by a series of tidal waves (tsunamis) on 26 December 2004, following a major earthquake in the Indian Ocean. Almost the whole length of Thailand's west coast was affected, together with the many islands off the coast in the Andaman Sea. Services and facilities in most areas of Thailand affected by the tsunami, including Phuket, are now operating normally. But on the coast of Khao Lak and on Phi Phi island, many houses, shops, hotels and tourist accommodation have been destroyed although some resorts are now open. Although most services have been repaired some may still not be back to pre-tsunami standards. For further information on health, check the Department of Health's website at: www.dh.gov.uk. If you are planning to visit any of these places, you should first check with your travel and accommodation agents to ensure that it is safe and practical to do so. Relatives and friends of British citizens killed, injured or missing as a result of the recent tsunami disaster and who are visiting Thailand, or planning to do so, should contact the Embassy or our Phuket office. Please note that the Phuket office can only deal with tsunami-related calls. The telephone number of the British Embassy in Bangkok is (++66) (0)2 305 8333. The Bangkok office is open Monday-Friday from 09:00-19:00. The British Embassy Office in Phuket is located at the Business Centre, Hilton Phuket Arcadia, 333 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Phuket 83100, Thailand. The telephone number of the Embassy office in Phuket is (+66) (0) 76 286 577. This office is open to the public Monday-Friday 09:00-18:00. Monsoon Season September and October are the monsoon season in much of Thailand. Widespread flooding in the north, north eastern and central regions is routine. You should check local reports when travelling in these areas. | 
