Hello all,
There are 5,000 Australian ex-patriates living in Thailand, and additionally, holiday-makers.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs has issued the following Travel Advisory:
Thailand overall -
High Degree of Caution needed
Bangkok and surrounding provinces (Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Nakon Pathom, Ayuthaya, Pratum Thani) -
Reconsider your need to Travel
Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla -
Do not Travel
Summary
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.
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Bangkok and surrounding provinces (Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Nakon Pathom, Ayuthaya, Pratum Thani) due to ongoing civil unrest.
A State of Emergency was declared in Bangkok and surrounding provinces on 12 April 2009. The duration of the State of Emergency is not yet known.
The State of Emergency bans the gathering of more than five people. There have been violent clashes between security authorities and protesters. The military may become involved in enforcing the decree and further violence is possible.
If you are in Bangkok or surrounding provinces, you should avoid unnecessary travel around the city or province. If you are departing Bangkok by plane, you should allow extra time to reach the airport in case of traffic delays. Flights in and out of Bangkok have not been disrupted. Travellers should check with airlines and other travel providers on scheduled services.
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.
Disruption in the city and other parts of Thailand, including to transport and other infrastructure, could occur. Demonstrations can develop quickly and with little warning.
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.
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metta
Chris