Bangkok Library Digital library and information center for Bangkok, Thailand

Travel Summary

We advise against all but essential travel to the city of Bangkok, in light of ongoing political demonstrations and outbreaks of violence within the city. This advice does not apply to passengers transiting Bangkok airport on their way to other destinations in Thailand or internationally.

British Nationals should exercise extreme caution throughout the country, and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, some of which have recently turned violent.
If violence breaks out again British nationals are advised to remain indoors and to monitor the media and this website. Suvarnabhumi airport is operating as normal. The route to the airport from Bangkok city remains open.

British nationals requiring consular assistance should call 02 305 8333 (in Thailand). British nationals are encouraged to register with our LOCATE service.

The political situation in Thailand is volatile and tense. Violence could break out without warning. On 22 April, five grenades were fired from M-79 launchers at the skytrain (BTS) station at Saladaeng and nearby areas, killing at least one person and injuring 75 others, including three foreign nations. Tension continues to build in this area, which is patrolled by large numbers of armed troops. The Skytrain and the MRT (underground metro) are currently operating a restricted service.

21 April, one foreign tourist was injured in a confrontation between red shirt protestors and anti-red shirt protestors, at Sala Daeng Intersection in Bangkok. In Khon Kaen on 21 April, red shirt protestors blockaded a military train. On 10 April violent clashes in Bangkok between anti-government (red shirt) protestors and security forces left 25 dead and many hundreds injured. The location of protests and outbreaks of violence in Bangkok is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

A large number of protestors are based at the Ratchaprasong intersection on Sukhumvit Road. Many shops and businesses in the area closed and there is severe traffic disruption at the rally site and surrounding area. Protestors have set up a number of barricades and check-points on many roads connecting to the intersection to prevent security forces from entering the area. An Army spokesperson has been quoted as saying that the area around Ratchaprasong is very dangerous because violence could break out at any time.

A separate group of protestors, who opposite the Red Shirts, have announced plans to rally at the Royal Plaza on Ratchadamnoen Road on 23 April, from 16:00 onwards, and at a number of additional locations within the city, including daily protests in the Silom area. There is an ongoing risk of clashes between these protestors and the Red Shirts.

In response to anti-government protests in Bangkok, the Thai government declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and some of its surrounding provinces from 7 April 2010. This prohibits gatherings of five or more people in some areas and may restrict travel.

There has recently been a spate of grenade and bomb attacks in central Bangkok, the majority of which have targeted Government or military buildings. See the Terrorism/Security section of this Travel Advice for details. In view of the possibility of further attacks of this sort, British citizens are advised to exercise extra caution when travelling in Bangkok and to report any suspicious devices to the authorities.

We advise against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) temple area, due to violence in the area. See the Local Travel section of this Travel Advice.

We advise against all but essential travel to, or through, the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, due to the insurgency in these areas. See the Terrorism section of this Travel Advice.

There is a high threat from terrorism in Thailand. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. There have been a number of bomb and grenade explosions in Bangkok this year. See the Terrorism section of this Travel Advice.

Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can include the death penalty.

There have been a significant number of confirmed human cases of the A (H1N1) virus (Swine flu) in Thailand, including a number of deaths, and increased surveillance and control measures are in place. See the Health section of this Travel Advice.

Around 812,000 British nationals visited Thailand in 2008 (Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand). 843 British nationals required consular assistance in Thailand in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (288 cases): hospitalisations (198 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (202 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (774 cases). The majority of consular cases occur in Bangkok, Pattaya and Koh Samui.

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice.