Thailand Travel Warning Updates

Australian Government Travel Warnings

Thailand overall This Advice is current for Sunday, 31 May 2009.



This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Health Issues (H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza)). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary
• A small number of confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) have been reported in Thailand. For further information see our travel bulletin on H1N1 Influenza 09.
• We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution because of the high threat of terrorist attack and because of political instability in Thailand.
• Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
• We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including tourist areas and other places frequented by foreigners.
• On 12 April 2009, a State of Emergency was declared in Bangkok and surrounding provinces following violent clashes between security authorities and protesters. The State of Emergency was lifted on 24 April 2009. Although major protest action has ceased, the situation remains unpredictable.
• Demonstrations can develop quickly and with little warning. Disruption in the city and other parts of Thailand, including to transport and other infrastructure, could occur. You should avoid demonstration sites, political rallies, military deployments and concentrations of security personnel. You should also closely monitor developments and follow any instructions issued by local authorities. If you are in an area where demonstrators are gathering, you should leave the area immediately.
• There is an ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia relating to land adjacent to the Khao Pra Viharn temple (Preah Vihear in Khmer). There were instances of fighting between Thai and Cambodian military troops in October 2008 resulting in some injuries and fatalities. Australians are urged to be particularly vigilant if travelling to these areas and to monitor local media.
• We strongly advise you not to travel at this time to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla or overland to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces due to high levels of ongoing violence in these regions, including terrorist attacks and bombings resulting in deaths and injuries on an almost daily basis. Since January 2004, more than 3300 people have reportedly been killed and many more injured, including a number of foreigners. If you are in these provinces, you should consider leaving.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in Thailand. See the Health Issues section below for advice to Australians travelling to or resident in Thailand.