thailand

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• We advise against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) temple area and the Ta Krabey/Ta Moan temple area located on the Thai-Cambodian border due to the presence of troops in the area and the risk of outbreaks of fighting. Remain alert to the local situation when travelling in other border regions and at land crossings between Thailand and Cambodia. See  Safety and Security - Local Travel - Cambodian border.
  
  

• We advise against all but essential travel to the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla on the Thai-Malaysia border. See Safety and Security - Political Situation.

• There is a high threat of terrorism. Bomb and grenade attacks have been indiscriminate, including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers. Sporadic attacks continue in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. On 13 January as a precaution the Thai authorities increased security measures in Bangkok, following warnings of a possible terrorist threat. On 16 January the Thai authorities found a large supply of bomb-making materials in Samut Sakhon, 38km south west of Bangkok. You should exercise caution, especially in the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani. See: Safety and Security - Terrorism.

• Large areas of central, northern and eastern Thailand were affected by flooding between September and December 2011.  The National Travel Health Network and Centre has issued advice and information about the possible increased risk from illness and disease in areas that have been affected by flooding. Contact your GP for further advice and information before travelling.
   
   

• It is not uncommon for political demonstrations to take place in Thailand, including in central Bangkok. You should avoid demonstrations and any other protests.
  
  
• By law, you must carry your passport with you at all times in Thailand. Tourists have been arrested because they were unable to produce their passport. See: Local Laws and Customs.
  
  

• Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can include the death penalty. See: Local Laws and Customs.
  
  

• Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General Insurance.
  
  

• Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling or where you live so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. At times of heightened tension, we suggest you also follow the British Embassy on Twitter and Facebook.
  
  

• 847,198 British nationals visited Thailand in 2010 (Source: Thai Immigration). Most visits are trouble-free. See General - Consular Assistance - Statistics.

Safety and Security - Political Situation

Thailand Country Profile

The political situation in Thailand is unpredictable and sometimes volatile. Over recent years there have been instances of civil and political unrest resulting in large-scale demonstrations and, in some cases, violence. You should exercise caution throughout Thailand and avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, which may turn violent.

Since January 2004, there have been almost daily attacks in the far south. These include arson, bombings and shootings. Targets have included civilians and members of the security forces, government offices, tourist hotels, discotheques and bars, shops, marketplaces, supermarkets, schools, transport infrastructure and trains. Over 3,500 people have been killed and several thousand more injured. No British nationals have been killed in these attacks, but some foreign citizens have been killed and injured.  

Martial law remains in place in the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and in the Sadao district of Songkhla province. Security authorities can detain suspects without charge, censor the media, conduct searches and seize documents. We advise against all but essential travel to the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla.

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorism. Bomb and grenade attacks have been indiscriminate, including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers.

We therefore advise visitors to exercise vigilance and keep abreast of local security advice and media reports

Sporadic attacks continue in Bangkok and around Chiang Mai. In 2010, there were around 114 reported explosions in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces.

• On 16 January the Thai authorities found a large supply of bomb-making materials in Samut Sakhon, 38km south west of Bangkok.
• On 13 January as a precaution the Thai authorities increased security measures in Bangkok, following warnings of a possible terrorist threat. 
• On 16 December 2011 bombs were found and defused at three locations in east Bangkok (in front of Bangkok Bank, Sukhumvit 77, at Suvanabhumi bridge on Lat Krabang Road and at Sukhapiban-Khanchanapisek Road).
• On 6 December there was a bomb scare on Rachadamnoen Road in the Phra Nakon area of Bangkok.
• On the evening of 31 May 2011, there were reports of a grenade explosion at the PAD rally site near Makkawan Bridge on Ratchadamnoen. One person was seriously injured.
• On 24 January 2011, a man was arrested near the PAD protest area at Misakhawan Intersection in central Bangkok. He was carrying two home-made explosive devices. The devices were not detonated and no one was injured.
  
  

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime

Seven British nationals have been murdered in Thailand since January 2009.

Western tourists have been victims of vicious unprovoked attacks by gangs in Koh Phangan. These attacks are particularly common around the time of the Full Moon parties and generally occur late at night near bars in Haad Rin. Exercise caution when walking in this area at any time, especially after dark.

Be aware of the possibility of credit card fraud and do not lose sight of your credit card during transactions. Be careful to observe demarcation lines between shops and stalls, particularly in market areas and at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Taking items from one shop’s area to another may be treated as suspected theft. If this happens you may be arrested by police and asked to pay a substantial fine and/or face imprisonment.

Violent assaults and robberies have been reported in Chaweng, Koh Samui. Attacks have also occurred in other tourist districts in Thailand frequented by western tourists. Care should be taken in such areas, especially at night.

There have been incidents of sexual offences committed against foreign men and women, especially in the Koh Samui archipelago. Since 2009, a number of British nationals were victims of serious sexual offences. See: Rape and sexual assault overseas.

There have been incidents where tourists have had their drinks drugged in both tourist areas and red light districts. Be careful about taking drinks from strangers and at clubs and parties, particularly in Koh Samui and Pattaya and, at the Full Moon party on Koh Phangan, where date rapes have been reported. Some British nationals have suffered severe psychiatric problems because of drug use, resulting in some suicides.

Tourists have also been robbed after bringing visitors to their hotel rooms. In some cases their drinks were drugged. Ensure that your passport, wallet and other valuable possessions are secure at all times.

Alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK.

Take precautions and be on your guard against pickpockets and bag snatchers. When walking along busy streets or travelling in open transport such as tuk tuks, be aware that foreigners have had items snatched by riders on motorbikes. If you plan to travel by bus, take precautions to ensure any cash and valuables you have are kept securely. There have been incidents where passengers have had items taken from bags while they slept.

Gem scams are relatively widespread in Thailand. There have been reports of visitors buying gems for inflated prices from seemingly respectable establishments then later finding out the stones are worth a tiny fraction of the purchase price.

You should report any incidents of crime to the Thai police before leaving the country.

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Burma Border

Following the Burmese elections in November 2010 there was sporadic outbreaks of fighting between armed groups on the Burmese side of the Burma/Thai border.   There are also occasional clashes between the Thai security forces and armed criminal groups such as drug traffickers. Check local media for the latest information, and exercise caution if you intend to travel to this region.

Outside the main towns, police and military checkpoints are actively manned and travellers may be asked to produce ID. If you visit border areas outside the main towns consult local authorities for advice on the current situation. See: www.tourismthailand.org.

Do not attempt to cross into Burma other than at an official border checkpoints and after obtaining any relevant permissions/visas from the Burmese and Thai authorities. See: FCO Travel Advice for Burma.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Cambodia Border

The line of the international border in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear temple is disputed by Cambodia and Thailand. Since 2008 there have been periodic clashes.  Hostilities broke out in February 2011, resulting in civilian and military fatalities on both sides. The situation remains tense and further fighting may occur without warning. We advise against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) temple and surrounding area. Remain alert to the local situation when travelling in other border regions, and at land crossings between the two countries.

Disputes also exist over control of the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, which lie close to the Thailand-Cambodia border. Fighting broke out between Cambodian and Thai troops at Ta Krabey in April 2011 causing death and injuries on both sides, and further fighting may occur without warning.  We advise against all travel to the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temple area. Exercise caution if visiting temples close to the border with Cambodia which may be the subject of disputes over ownership. See: FCO Travel Advice for Cambodia.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Laos Border

Visas are available at the principal entry points, the Thai to Lao Friendship Bridge, Luang Prabang and Vientiane Airports, on payment of US$35, or 1,500 Thai baht in cash and provision of a passport photograph. If you plan to enter at any other entry point then you will need to get a visa in advance. Be aware that not all entry points are open to foreigners. See: FCO Travel Advice for Laos.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel

There are two airports in Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the city's main international airport. Don Muang  Airport is the 'old' Bangkok international airport which now handles domestic flights.  Don Muang airport was closed in October 2011 due to flooding. If you were due to use this airport contact your airline or tour operator for information. 

On 4 August 2009, Bangkok Airways Flight 266, carrying 68 passengers crashed in severe weather on landing at Koh Samui airport. One person died and 37 were injured.
 
On 16 September 2007, One-Two-GO Airlines Flight 269, carrying 130 people, crashed and burst into flames after attempting to land in Phuket during poor weather conditions killing 90 people. One-Two-GO is banned from flying in EU nations due to safety concerns.  

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Rail Travel

There have been a number of train derailments in Thailand, with some resulting in death and injuries.  

On 21 June 2008, insurgents killed four people on the Sungai Kolok - Yala train near the Thai-Malaysia Border. This resulted in increased numbers of security personnel on the trains.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel

An international or Thai driving licence is required to drive in Thailand.

In Thailand 124,855 people were killed in road traffic accidents between 2000 and 2010 meaning that on average there are over 12,000 deaths a year from road traffic accidents. In the UK there have been on average about 3,000 deaths from road traffic accidents each year over the past decade.  With motorcycles so widely used in Thailand the majority of road traffic accidents involve motorcycles, although accidents involving other vehicles including cars, coaches and mini-buses also occur. If riding a motorcycle in Thailand take the same safety precautions as you would in the UK. According to Thai law, safety helmets must be worn.

The motorcycles or scooters for hire in beach resorts are often unregistered and cannot be used legally on a public road. Before you hire a vehicle, check your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered and check the small print of the lease agreement.  Never hand over your passport as a guarantee against returning a motorcycle or scooter.  Unscrupulous owners have been known to hold on to passports against claimed damage to the motorcycle or scooter.

Riding ‘Quad-bikes’ can also be dangerous. It is illegal to drive these on the roads in Thailand even though they are available to hire on the roadside.

See our Driving abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sea/River Travel

On 24 March 2009, two British nationals were attacked and one murdered while sailing off the coast of Satun in Southern Thailand. If you sail here, take steps to protect your safety.

There are numerous passenger boat services between the mainland and islands in Thailand. There have been some passenger boat sinkings, usually due to overloading and/or poor maintenance. During the Full Moon party speedboats to and from Koh Phangan are often overloaded. Exercise care at all times when travelling by passenger ferry or speedboat and avoid travel on vessels that are clearly overloaded or in poor condition. Ensure that life jackets are available.

Take care when swimming/diving/kayaking or white water rafting in rivers or close to waterfalls, particularly in the rainy season from May to October. Currents can be extremely strong.

See our River and Sea Safety page.

Safety and Security - Tourist Activities

Bungee jumping is an exceptionally dangerous activity and accidents occur. If you undertake this activity you should satisfy yourself that the company concerned is using the most up-to-date equipment, including all of the requisite safety features and that they are fully licensed and insured.

If you are considering jungle trekking ensure that you use reliable licensed tour guides.

Safety and Security - Tourist Activities - Water Sports

Take particular care when swimming off coastal areas, especially during monsoon season (November-March in Koh Samui and the south-east of the Thai peninsula and May-October in the rest of Thailand). Strong riptides have drowned people in several areas including Phuket, Koh Chang, Hua Hin, Cha-am, Rayong and Pattaya and the Koh Samui archipelago. Always comply with warning signs, especially red flags, and only swim from approved beaches.  

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 from hotel management and dive centres.

If you rent Jet Skis or water sports equipment, consider the dangers involved and satisfy yourself that adequate safety precautions are in place. Rent only from reputable operators and insist on sufficient training before use. Ensure that the operator is licensed and has adequate insurance cover. Never hand over your passport as a guarantee against returning a jet ski.  Unscrupulous owners have been known to hold on to passports against claimed damage to the Jet Ski.

The standards maintained by diving schools and rescue services are not always as high as in the UK. Check a dive operator's credentials carefully before using them and ensure that your insurance covers you for the activity. If you are an experienced diver get dive-specific insurance and check that your qualifications and experience fall within the cover provided. Contact your issuing authority (i.e. PADI or BSAC) if you are in any doubt. If you have had no previous diving experience ask your dive operator to explain what cover they offer before signing up for a course; you should be satisfied that sufficient safety equipment is available on the boat, particularly oxygen.

You should also ask about contingency plans which should include the ability to call for help while at sea and to evacuate divers to the nearest hyperbaric chamber if necessary.

Never become involved with drugs of any kind in Thailand. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment. If you are found guilty of being in possession of marijuana you are likely to receive a long prison sentence and a hefty fine. Amphetamines and Ecstasy are regarded as Class A drugs and possession or trafficking of them carries the same penalties as heroin. If you are found guilty of being in possession of 20 grams of a Class A drug at a point of exit from Thailand you will most likely be sentenced to death.

It is a criminal offence to make critical or defamatory comments about the King or other members of the Royal family in Thailand. This is known as Lèse Majesté and is punishable by a prison sentence of three to fifteen years, or longer. Foreign nationals have been convicted of Lèse Majesté.

It is illegal to import more than 200 cigarettes per person into Thailand and this is enforced at customs at the airport on arrival; those who exceed the limit face heavy on-the-spot fines and confiscation of the cigarettes.

By law, you must carry your passport with you at all times in Thailand. Tourists have been arrested because they were unable to produce their passport upon request. Ensure you complete the next of kin details section in the back of your passport.

Thai family law is very different from UK law and particular caution is needed when child custody becomes an issue. See our Child Abduction page.

For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Passport Validity

You must hold a valid passport to enter Thailand. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Thailand. Entry to Thailand is normally refused if you have a passport which is damaged or has pages missing.

Entry Requirements - Visa Requirements

British passport holders arriving by air may enter Thailand for 30 days without obtaining a visa in advance of arrival. However, those arriving at overland crossings will only be given visa free entry valid for 15 days. If you plan to stay in Thailand for longer than the time endorsed on arrival, or you intend to work, you must obtain an extension of stay or a valid visa.

If you stay in Thailand for longer than the time authorised on your arrival, and do not have an extension of stay or a valid visa, then this is an offence under Thai Immigration law. You will be fined 500 baht per day for every day you overstay, excluding the first day, up to a maximum of 20,000 baht.  Any foreigner found by the authorities to have overstayed their visa is also at risk of being held in detention, fined and deported at their own expense. They may also be black-listed from re-entering Thailand. The Thai authorities have stated they will always enforce detention of overstays for more than 42 days. The only legal way of obtaining a new visa, entry permit or extension of stay is from a 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.

If you have any queries about visas or entry requirements, check with the Royal Thai Embassy.

Entry Requirements - Employment

To work in Thailand you need a work permit, which is difficult and time-consuming to obtain. 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.

Entry Requirements – Proof of Onward travel

Immigration officials in Thailand may require you to provide proof of onward travel – e.g. in the form of a return ticket. You are advised to make all related reservations before departing for Thailand. Airlines have occasionally refused to board passengers travelling to Thailand without such reservations.

There are excellent private hospitals in Thailand but they can be expensive. It is imperative that you have fully comprehensive medical insurance cover and that you completely understand the policy before travelling to Thailand otherwise you may find yourself facing huge medical bills for which you will be personally responsible. Public hospitals and clinics in Thailand are not always up to UK standards, particularly in the coastal islands and many mainland districts outside Bangkok where hospitals and clinics are not equipped to deal with major trauma. Many hospitals require guarantee of payment for the hospital bills before they begin treatment.

Dengue fever and malaria occur in Thailand. During 2010, there were over 115,000 reported cases of dengue and 141 reported deaths. Visit your GP to discuss preventative measures against dengue and malaria, including malaria prevention tablets.

There are cases of Chikungunya virus in 50 of Thailand’s provinces, including the tourist destination of Phuket. The symptoms are similar to dengue fever.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that 520,000 adults in Thailand were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 1.3% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in the UK of 0.2%. Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

Seek medical advice before travelling to Thailand and ensure all vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention visit the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel websites or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Medications which are only available on prescription in the UK (such as Viagra, Cialis and Valium) are readily available in popular nightlife districts across Thailand. It is likely that such medication sold on the street is not genuine or may have been stolen. Taking medication without medical advice or a prescription can have serious health consequences.

In 2010 a total of 102,827 cases attributed to food poisoning and 13 associated fatalities (nationalities not known) were reported in Thailand. Highest rates for food poisoning are reported in the northeast region and the northern region of Thailand. (source: Ministry of Public Health - Thailand).

See our Travel Health and Eat and Drink Safely pages.

There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in domestic poultry and wild birds in Thailand (most recently in November 2008) leading to a small number of human fatalities (most recently in Thailand in August 2006 and on the Cambodian side of the Thai-Cambodia border at Aranyaprathet in February 2011) believed to have arisen through close contact with infected poultry.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds. Ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

See our Avian and Pandemic Influenza page.

The rainy season in much of Thailand runs from May to October, with September and October being the height of the monsoon season. The rainy season in Koh Samui and the south east of the Thai peninsula runs from November to March. Heavy storms caused disruption and damage in this region in late March 2011. Flooding also affects the southern tourist area of Phuket. Heavy monsoon rains caused extensive flooding across central, northern eastern provinces of Thailand in October, November and December 2011.

The Mekong River Commission posts official updates on the Mekong River on their website.

When visiting lakes, caves or waterfalls, particularly during the rainy season, be aware that they are prone to dangerous flash flooding.

General - Insurance

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Check for any exclusions and ensure that your policy covers you for all activities. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong then see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Consular Assistance 

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling or where you live so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance should call 02 305 8333 (in Thailand).

If you are a British national and plan to stay for an extended period in Thailand register with the British Embassy in Bangkok upon arrival

General - Consular Assistance - Statistics

847,198 British nationals visited Thailand in 2010 (Source: Thai Immigration). 967 British nationals required consular assistance in Thailand between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011, including for the following types of incident: 347 deaths; 246 hospitalisations; 200 arrests for a variety of offences. 

General - Buying Property

Before buying property in Thailand, seek legal advice from a source that is independent from the seller. Deal only with established and reputable estate agents and other contacts and make all payments within bank premises and/or through banking channels.

General - Money

It may not be possible to change Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes.