Bangkok Library Digital library and information center for Bangkok, Thailand

Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (Australians advised to stay well clear of Red Shirt demonstration sites in Bangkok). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

* We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Thailand due to the recent deterioration in the security environment caused by widening political unrest and civil disorder occurring in Bangkok and other parts of the country.
* There is a strong possibility of violent clashes in Bangkok and in other parts of Thailand between demonstrators and security forces. These clashes could involve the use of lethal force and could occur at any time. Australians should avoid any protest sites or demonstrations and exercise extreme caution due to the strong possibility of further violence.
* In Bangkok, anti-Government (Red Shirt) demonstrators are currently concentrated in the city centre around the area known as ‘Ratchaprasong’. This area encompasses the Erawan shrine on the corner of the Rama I/Ploenchit and Ratchadamri roads and nearby commercial areas and hotels. Red shirt demonstrators are also concentrated at the southern end of Ratchadamri road opposite the Silom road commercial and tourist district. Australians should stay well clear of these areas. Violence, including the further use of firearms or explosives, could occur with little warning and bystanders could be killed or injured.
* On 22 April grenade explosions in and around a Skytrain station on Silom road resulted in the death of one person and injuries to seventy five others, including foreign nationals. Further attacks may occur in this area without warning.
* Pro-government (‘multi-coloured’ or ‘no colour’) groups are holding rallies in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. Confrontations between anti-government and pro-government groups are likely to continue and may turn violent.
* The level of security force activity in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand has increased. The Thai Government may seek to disperse Red Shirt demonstrators from the ‘Ratchaprasong’ area. Action may also be taken to disperse anti- and pro-government protesters in Silom road, and at other locations in Thailand. This may involve the use of armed force. There is a strong possibility that such action will be met with resistance, and violent clashes could occur.
* Demonstrations can develop quickly and turn violent with no warning. Counter protests could also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators are gathering, you should leave the area immediately.
* There have been a number of violent incidents associated with anti-Government protesters. Grenade and improvised explosive device attacks, including against government buildings, military installations, banks and infrastructure, have occurred since February 2010. Further attacks could occur anywhere in Thailand without warning.
* If further violent incidents occur, Australians are advised to stay indoors, closely monitor developments via the media and follow any instructions issued by local authorities.
* It is critical that Australians avoid areas affected by protests and remain particularly vigilant in nearby areas, as violence could spread quickly.
* Australians should avoid any prominent buildings associated with the Thai Government and military, such as Government House, the Parliament Building and the Supreme Court in Bangkok, and all Provincial Government buildings and all military installations.
* The Australian Embassy in Bangkok has offered its staff living in areas of Bangkok affected by demonstrators the option to move to alternate accommodation in Bangkok until the situation is resolved.

* At this stage there are no reports of civil disturbances affecting the operations of Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

* On 7 April the Thai Government declared a state of emergency in the Bangkok area and in the provinces of Samut Prakarn (including Suvarnabhumi International Airport), Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom and Ayutthaya.

* 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.

===

Source: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/advice/thailand
Retrieved: 2010-05-07

Foreign Office criticised over Thailand travel advice

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/7646377/Foreign-Office-crit...