Summary

Latest update: Summary – removal of information on poor air quality in Phuket and disruptions to local and regional air travel

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla on the Thai-Malaysia border. On 10 April 2014 the Australian authorities indicated that extremists might be planning to target westerners in the southern border provinces. See Terrorism

A bomb exploded on 17 August in central Bangkok, resulting in numerous casualties, including the death of a British national. There was a further small explosion on 18 August near the Saphan Taksin Sky Train (BTS) station in central Bangkok, which did not cause casualties. Following these incidents, a large quantity of explosives were discovered by Thai authorities in a residential apartment in central Bangkok.

You should follow the advice of the local authorities, monitor local media reports and remain vigilant.

There is a high threat from terrorism. On 1 February there were 2 explosions at the Siam station of Bangkok’s Skytrain (BTS) system, near the entrance to the Siam Paragon shopping mall. One person was injured. On 10 April a car bomb exploded in the underground car park of the Central Festival shopping mall in Bho Phut on the island of Koh Samui. Seven people were injured in the explosion, including one foreigner. See Terrorism

British nationals make over 900,000 visits to Thailand every year. Most visits are trouble-free, but there have been attacks (sometimes violent), particularly on the islands of Samui archipelago. Two British nationals were killed on 15 September 2014 on the island of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. See Crime

On 22 May 2014 the military took control of government. Martial law was in place across Thailand until 1 April 2015 when it was lifted from all areas except the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, the Sadao district of Songkhla province and some border areas. However, Article 44 of the interim constitution gives General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), wide powers to continue to take action to enforce law and order, and restrictions remain on freedom of assembly and expression. Before the military coup there were large-scale demonstrations and protests in Bangkok and other cities. Some of these were violent. You should avoid any protests, political gatherings, demonstrations or marches.

A number of media outlets have been taken off air and some internet sites remain blocked. It’s illegal to criticise the coup and you should be wary of making political statements in public. You should monitor local news and social media for developments.

The Tourist Authority of Thailand’s website and call centre (1672 - press ‘9’ for English) are able to provide some general advice to tourists in English.

During the afternoon of 8 April a passenger ferry travelling between Krabi and Phuket in southern Thailand caught fire and sank. There was 1 fatality and over 100 other passengers were rescued. See Sea Travel

Most road traffic accidents in Thailand involve motorcycles, but accidents involving other vehicles including cars, coaches and mini-buses also occur. See Road travel

By law you must carry your passport with you at all times. 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 you travel.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.