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FCO advise against all travel to Bangkok

20th May 2010 The UK Foreign Office have amended their travel advice for Thailand and has advised against all travel to Bangkok as a crack-down on anti government protesters triggered more violence today.

The FCO had previously warned against all but essential travel to the city, but reviewed its advice amid escalating violence.

The following information his taken from the FCO website:

# We advise against all travel to the city of Bangkok.

# There were a number of violent incidents in Bangkok on 19 May, after security forces cleared anti-Government Red Shirt protest sites, including a large number of buildings set on fire.

# The situation is highly unpredictable and further acts of violence are likely. British nationals already in Bangkok should stay indoors and monitor this travel advice and local media. British nationals elsewhere in Thailand should wherever possible take transport services which do not involve transiting Bangkok.

# A curfew is in place from 21:00 to 05:00, until the morning of 23 May in the city of Bangkok and in the following provinces where a State of Emergency is in place: Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Nan, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Nakhom Ratchasima, Si Saket, Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Bua Lumphu, Mahasarakham, Roi Et, Sakhon Nakhon, Kalasin, Muk Da Han and Samutprakarn. It is possible that this curfew may be extended for a longer period.

# Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok is operating as normal. The route to the airport from Bangkok city remains open. Some airlines have amended their schedules following the announcement of the curfew in Bangkok. You should check with your airline or tour operator before commencing your journey.

# The Thai Government have said that travel to and from the airport is permitted in curfew hours provided you are able to show officers at checkpoints your passport and airline ticket. However, in view of the risk of violence, we advise any British nationals currently in Bangkok to remain indoors during the curfew period. If you need to travel to the airport, we advise you to do so outside the curfew times even if this means starting your journey earlier than planned.

# FCO advice against all travel to the city of Bangkok does not apply to passengers transiting Bangkok airport on their way by air to other destinations, either within Thailand or internationally.

# We advise against all but essential travel to the city of Chiang Mai where a number of violent incidents, some involving gunfire, have occurred following the clearing of the Red Shirt demonstration sites in Bangkok. Red Shirt demonstrators have set up a demonstration site at the Chiang Mai railway station. British nationals already in Chiang Mai should monitor this travel advice and local media before going out during the day, and otherwise comply with the curfew in force.

# T here have been reports of violence in the north eastern cities of Khon Kaen and Udon Thani. There is a continued risk of further violence in the north and north east of Thailand. British nationals in these areas should exercise extreme caution and monitor this travel advice and local media before deciding whether to go out. You should comply with any curfew in force.

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