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Reviewed: 23 April 2011, 12:05 NZDT
Still current at:
04 February 2012
There is some risk to your security in Bangkok and other areas in Thailand not covered below due to the uncertain political situation, potential for civil unrest and threat from terrorism and we advise caution.
There is high risk to your security in the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Songkhla because of ongoing criminal and politically-motivated violence. We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these provinces. Since 2004 there have been over 4,000 deaths as a result of terrorist and other violent attacks. The Thai Government’s Emergency Decree is in force in the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.
There is high risk to your security along the Thailand/Cambodia border and along the Thailand/Burma border and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these areas. There are extensive deployments of Thai and Cambodian troops along large areas of the Thai/Cambodia border. In February and April 2011 there have been violent clashes involving loss of life and injuries in the vicinity of Preah Vihear temple (adjacent to Thailand’s Si Sa Ket province and Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province) and in the border areas adjacent to Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Menchey provinces. Sporadic conflict near the Burma/Thai border occurs between the Burma military and armed opposition groups as well as between Thai security forces and armed criminal groups (such as drug traffickers).
A major political protest in Bangkok ended violently on 19 May 2010 after a concerted operation by Thai security forces against anti-government ‘red shirt’ protesters. There were numerous deaths and injuries. The end of the protest saw a spate of arson attacks and other violence in Bangkok and in some of Thailand’s northern cities. In April the Thai Government invoked provisions under the Emergency Decree to apply to affected provinces. The Emergency Decree was lifted on 22 December, but the Internal Security Act now applies. Under the Internal Security Act the security forces have broad powers to monitor, investigate and evaluate situations that could be a threat to internal security.
Large protest rallies, including to mark anniversaries of key dates in the recent protests, are taking place regularly at various locations in Bangkok, especially at the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamneon Avenue, the Rajaprasong intersection, and outside the main government buildings. New Zealanders throughout Thailand are strongly advised to avoid all protests and rallies, and any areas of military or security force activity. We recommend you comply with any restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities, monitor events closely and remain vigilant as the security situation could change quickly.
There have been numerous grenade attacks and small explosions in Bangkok and Chiang Mai in 2010. There have been 12 incidents involving explosive devices in Bangkok since late July, resulting in five deaths and over 30 people injured. Thai officials have said that such incidents are likely to continue. Further incidents cannot be ruled out, particularly against buildings associated with the Thai Government.
Due to the threat from terrorism, New Zealanders are advised to exercise a very high degree of personal security awareness in Thailand. This advice extends also to New Zealanders in or planning to visit popular tourist destinations. Particular care should be taken in public and commercial areas, including landmark places known to be frequented by foreigners, public transport facilities, hotels, bars, tourist resorts and shopping areas.
It is a requirement under Thai law to carry photo identification at all times. A New Zealand driver’s licence or a photocopy of the biodata page from a passport would be adequate identification in the first instance.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Thailand should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Thailand are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Southeast Asia
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Contact details are
Street Address: M Thai Tower, 14th floor,
All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Bangkok
Postal Address: PO Box 2719, Bangkok 10500
Telephone: +66 2 254 2530 Facsimile: +66 2 253 9045
Email: nzembbkk@loxinfo.co.th
Website: New Zealand Embassy Thailand [external link]
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200, 1300-1630 hrs
