Asia and Oceania

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

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• We advise against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) temple area, due to violence in the area. See: Safety and Security and Safety and Security> Local Travel .

• Elsewhere, the situation is generally calm following recent political and civil unrest.  However there remains a risk that political developments may lead to further violence. You should monitor the media and this website and, in the event of further violence, are advised to remain indoors.
  

• A State of Emergency, which prohibits gatherings of five or more people in some areas and may restrict travel, is in effect in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nakhom Ratchasima, and Samut Prakarn. See: Safety and Security> Terrorism .
  
  
• There is a high threat of terrorism in Thailand. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers. There continue to be sporadic bomb and grenade attacks in Bangkok. Exercise caution, especially in the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani. See: Safety and Security> Terrorism .
  
  
• Red Shirt protestors are planning to hold protests in Chiang Mai every Sunday (starting 22 August) near Tha Phae Gate, close to the “walking street” market.  British nationals should avoid all demonstrations or large gatherings, which may turn violent
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can include the death penalty. See: Local Laws and Customs .
  
  
• See: www.ukinthailand.fco.gov.uk  for details of British Embassy services. British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance should call 02 305 8333 (in Thailand).
  
  
• Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See: General > Insurance .
  
  
• British nationals should register with the FCO’s  LOCATE service before travelling.  841,425 British nationals visited Thailand in 2009. Most visits are trouble-free. See General> Consular Assistance Statistics .

Safety and security

During the anti-government (“Red Shirt”) protests, which took place from March to May 2010, a series of violent incidents, including grenade attacks, occurred. On 19 May, the main protest site in Bangkok was cleared by security forces. Clashes between security forces and protesters left over 80 dead and more than 2,100 people injured during this period. Foreign nationals were among those injured.

In response to the protests, a State of Emergency was imposed and is still in force in Bangkok and the following provinces: Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nakhon Ratchasima. In these provinces, additional security measures have been implemented including traffic checkpoints and searches of vehicles and /or people.  By law, tourists are expected to carry their passports with them at all times in Thailand.

British nationals should avoid all demonstrations or large gatherings, which may turn violent.

Following the clearing of the Red Shirt protest sites in Bangkok on 19 May, a number of violent incidents occurred in Chiang Mai, including in areas frequently visited by tourists. The situation remains unpredictable and there has been further violence, which remains a risk.  Red Shirt protestors are planning to hold protests in Chiang Mai every Sunday (starting 22 August) near Tha Phae Gate, close to the “walking street” market.  

There have been acts of violence recently in the north eastern cities of Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani, and in the northern city of Chiang Rai:

• On 30 April, operations at Khon Kaen airport in north eastern Thailand were disrupted.
  
• On 25 April, the Phanyothin Road in Pathum Thani 40km north of Bangkok, and the Mitraphap Road in Udon Thani province were blockaded. Similar events took place in Lopburi, Phitsanulok, Ayuthaya and Talat Thai in Pathum Thani.
  
• On 27 April, Red Shirt a railway station in Udonthani province in North East Thailand was blockaded.
  
• On 21 April, in the north-eastern city of Khon Kaen, a military train was blockaded.

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 Chana and Thepha districts of the Songkhla province.  Security authorities can detain suspects without charge, censor the media, conduct searches and seize documents.

Safety and Security> Terrorism
On 30 July, there was an explosion at Soi Rangnam in central Bangkok. One person was seriously injured. And on 25 July, there was an explosion at a bus stop in front of the Big C supermarket (Ratchadamri branch) in Bangkok. One person died and 10 others were injured.

On 30 May an explosive device was detonated on the ‘walking street’ market in central Chiang Mai, though there were no injuries.

On 17 May homemade bombs were thrown at the Siam Commercial Bank and Thai Military Bank in Chiang Mai. No-one was injured. On 21 and 25 April, bomb attacks targeted banks and provincial Police headquarters. On 19 April a hand grenade exploded outside a mobile phone shop near Bangkok Bank in Chiang Mai.

On 19 May there was an explosion at a Bangkok Bank branch in Kat Nampong District, Phrae.

On 12 May Thai police defused a grenade at the ASTV television network office in downtown Phuket.

On 28 March, a grenade attack targeted Chiang Mai Administrative Court and a homemade bomb exploded near a telephone booth on Moon Muang Road. On 23 March, a grenade was found near Central Airport Plaza mall.

For more general information see our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security> Crime

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

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.

There have been incidents in Koh Phangan where western tourists have been victims of vicious unprovoked assaults by gangs. These attacks are increasingly common around the time of the Full Moon parties and generally occur late at night near bars in Haad Rin. Be extremely careful when walking in this area at any time, especially after dark.

There have been violent assaults and robberies in Chaweng, Koh Samui. These attacks have occurred in places frequented by western tourists. Take great care when in this area, especially at night.

Be aware of the possibility of credit card fraud after shop employees have copied card details. 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 is likely to be treated by shop staff as suspected theft. You may be arrested by police and asked to pay a substantial fine and/or face imprisonment.

Female travellers should be particularly careful during their time in Thailand. 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. Six British women were raped in separate incidents in Thailand during 2009. See: Rape and sexual assault overseas.

There have been a number of 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 the Koh Samui area and at the Full Moon party on Phangan Island 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 and wallet 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.

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

For more general information see our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security> Local Travel

Exercise caution when travelling in Thailand, especially in the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani, due to the possible risk of violent disturbances.

Safety and Security> Local Travel> Burma Border

The main towns along the border with Burma are generally safe. However, if you plan to travel to more remote areas exercise particular care. There is sporadic conflict on the Burmese side between soldiers and armed opposition troops. There are also occasional clashes between the Thai security forces and armed criminal groups such as drug traffickers. Be vigilant at all times if you intend to travel in 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 checkpoint 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

There are two legal land border crossing points into and out of Cambodia for foreigners:  Srakaew Province to Poipet, open daily 07:30 to 20:00; and Klong Yai at Had Lek, Trad Province to Koh Kong open daily 07:00 to 20:00. British nationals need a visa to enter Cambodia. See: FCO Travel Advice for Cambodia.

The line of the international border in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear temple is disputed by Cambodia and Thailand. Fighting broke out in October 2008 between Thai and Cambodian troops in the area. We advise against all travel to this region. On 2 April 2009, hostilities were reported at Veal Antri near Preah Vihear. On 19 September 2009 there were clashes between political demonstrators and local villagers: several people were injured. 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.

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 35 US dollars, 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> Malaysia Border

If you are considering travelling to, or through, the far southern provinces of Thailand, you should assess if your journey is essential.  If you do go ahead, you should review your security arrangements regularly.  See: Safety and Security and FCO Travel Advice for Malaysia.

Safety and Security> Local Travel> Air Travel

There are two airports in Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the city's main international airport and Don Muang International Airport is the 'old' Bangkok international airport.  You should check with your airline which airport your flight will depart from.

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.

The European Commission has a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Union.

Safety and Security> Local Travel> Rail Travel

On 5 October 2009 an accidental train derailment between Bangkok and the south of Thailand occurred just south of Hua Hin. 89 people were injured and seven Thai nationals died.

On 21 June 2008 insurgents killed four people on the Sungai Kolok - Yala train near the Thai-Malaysia Border. This resulted an 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.

Riding a motorcycle or scooter in Thailand can be dangerous. On average 38 people a day die in motorcycle accidents in Thailand. Take the same safety precautions as in the UK.  The Thai law that safety helmets must be worn is widely ignored.

The motorcycles or scooters for hire in beach resorts are often unregistered and can not 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 have been some passenger boat sinkings, usually due to overloading and/or poor maintenance. During the Full Moon party speedboats to and from Koh Pha Ngan 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 are 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.

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.

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. British nationals should exercise caution throughout Thailand and avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, which may turn violent.  See: Terrorism and Local Travel sections of this Travel Advice for more details.

In March to May 2010, anti-government (“Red Shirt”) protestors held large gatherings in Bangkok and many provinces around Thailand.  There were counter-demonstrations by opposing groups of “Yellow Shirts” and other so-called “multi-coloured shirt” protestors.  The political unrest sparked a series of violent incidents, including grenade attacks.  On 19 May, the main protest site in Bangkok was cleared by security forces.  Demonstrations have continued in some parts of the country.  Some leaders of protest groups have previously called for violence throughout the country.

In April 2009, civil unrest occurred in Bangkok and the seaside resort of Pattaya, which was hosting the ASEAN Summit.  Outbreaks of violence between Red Shirt protestors and military and police units in central Bangkok left three dead and over 100 people injured.

In 2008, political unrest and demonstrations in Bangkok sparked a series of violent incidents, including grenade attacks, which caused several fatalities.  At the end of November 2008, Bangkok’s two airports (Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Muang Airport) were closed for two weeks after being occupied by anti-government protestors.

On 19 September 2006, there was a coup against the civilian Thai Government, and martial law was imposed throughout the country.  The military-backed government was in power until elections in late 2007.

Local laws and customs

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 plus 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 illegal to import more than 200 cigarettes per person into Thailand; those who do face heavy fines and the confiscation of the cigarettes.

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 sentence of three to fifteen years or longer.

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

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.

Overstaying without the proper authority is a serious matter and you can be held in detention until a fine is paid. 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, which may result in a large fine or imprisonment. You would also be prohibited from entering Thailand again.

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

Entry Requirements> Passport Validity
Entry to Thailand is normally refused if you have a passport with less than six months’ validity, or which is damaged or has pages missing.

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.

Health

Statistics show that British nationals are more likely to be admitted to hospital when visiting Thailand than any other country in the world. 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. Complete next of kin details in the back of your passport.

Dengue fever and malaria occur in Thailand. There have been several thousand cases of dengue during 2010, including 6,500 cases in the five southern border provinces, with 13 deaths reported. Visit your GP to discuss 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 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that 600,000 adults in Thailand were living with HIV, 1.4% of the adult population compared to 0.2% in the UK. 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.

See our Travel Health and Eat and Drink Safely pages.

Health> Avian Influenza
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 August 2006) believed to have arisen through close contact with infected poultry.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. However, 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.

British nationals living in an Avian-Influenza affected region should take responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date. See our Avian and Pandemic Influenza page.

Natural disasters

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.

Torrential rain and widespread flooding often result in flash floods and mudslides. Exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities. Flooding also affects the southern tourist areas of Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. Check with the Thai Meteorological Department for up-to-date information or with your tour operator before travelling to affected areas.

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

When visiting Lake Caves, particularly during the rainy season, be aware that they are prone to dangerous flash flooding. On 13 October 2007 eight people died, including one British national at Khao Sok National Park following a flash flood.

General

General> Insurance
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Check 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.

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> 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 anywhere in Thailand.

General> Consular Assistance Statistics
841,425 British nationals visited Thailand in 2009 (Source: Thai Immigration). 957 British nationals required consular assistance in Thailand between 1 April 2009 - 31 March 2010, for the following types of incident: 292 deaths; 199 hospitalisations; and 249 arrests, for a variety of offences. During this period 827 British nationals also required replacements for lost or stolen passports. The majority of consular cases occur in Bangkok, Pattaya and Koh Samui.