Travel Advice for British Nationals on Thailand Trip

Thailand, though a peaceful nation witnessed riots and political violence few months back. Although a state of emergency was declared in many provinces of the country and situation was finally controlled after the two months long violence, the possibility of fresh violence surfacing in view of the political developments in the country can not be ruled out. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office that is responsible for promoting British interests overseas continues to issue important travel advice for British Nationals already in Thailand and those planning to take their flights to Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.

As per the FCO travellers have been advised to avoid Preah Vihear temple area to evade violence. Unless it is essential British nationals should not visit Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla.

As there are chances of political violence reoccurring in the region, all travellers should remain updated about the place through media and internet and should remain in their hotels in case violence breaks out. A State of Emergency is still in effect in certain regions such as Bangkok, Khon Kaen, Nakhom Ratchasima, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakarn and Udon Thani.

Travellers on their holidays should exercise caution if they want to travel to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani where foreigners and expatriates have been attacked and have greater chances of indiscriminate attacks.

Britons should avoid Chiang Mai as Red Shirt protesters are planning to hold protests, which may turn violent. All Brits are advised to keep their passports with them and should not carry or possess illegal substances such as drugs.

Before travelling Brits should take out medical and travel insurance, cheap or premium, and choose holiday package deals from reliable operators and register with the FCO’s LOCATE service. Those British nationals who are in Thailand should remain updated of changes in timings of the flights made by the airlines they have booked with and keep their return tickets in a safe place. If urgent help is required, they should call British Embassy in Thailand at +66 (0) 2 305 8333. For further information on British Embassy services visit: www.ukinthailand.fco.gov.uk.

Thailand Limps Back to Stability – Tourism took a major hit

After two months of pitched battles on the streets of Bangkok, the country is showing signs of some order being restored. However, it won’t be prudent to book Thailand flights right now. Although the government has been able to lay siege to the protest zones the situation still remains fragile. Centre for resolution of emergency services (CRES) has imposed curfew in Bangkok and 23 provinces to contain the situation. The protest which came to an end in the wake of the surrender by major protest leaders after the brutal clampdown by troops in the central Ratchaprasong area has already cost the country dearly. The damaged properties include the Stock Exchange and the Central World, which ranks among Asia’s biggest shopping malls.

Although the situation is seemingly limping back to order, many believe that it will be long before Thailand could restore peace completely so as to have the tourists flocking again to the country. Thailand relies heavily on tourism for its revenues which accounts for at least 6 percent of the country’s GDP. As per the reports, country’s 15 to 20 percent of employment is generated from tourism alone. Many countries have not changed their advice to their citizens of not traveling to Thailand. The fact remains that the protests were curbed with raw force and elections have not been announced. As a result, the Red Shirts are bristling and have vowed to continue fighting.

Still, the major part of the crisis is over and one can look ahead to the easing of the restrictions imposed earlier by the Thai government. Besides, it may not be an exaggeration to mention that the airline industry, which felt the impact of the crisis, will definitely roll out packages offering cheap Thailand flights.