Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes to travel to Thailand...
Terrorism
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand because of the high threat of terrorist attack. We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
In planning your activities, consider the kinds of places known to be terrorist targets. These include places frequented by foreigners such as embassies, shopping malls, clubs, hotels, restaurants, bars, schools, churches, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas. Public transport, airports, sea ports and public buildings are also potential terrorist targets.
The increase in violence in Southern Thailand (see below) may result in attacks elsewhere in Thailand, including Bangkok and other tourist areas. Thai authorities have taken additional security measures in other parts of the country, including tourist centres and Bangkok.
Due to security concerns, security at the Australian Embassy in Bangkok is at a high level.
Southern Provinces -Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla: We strongly advise you to reconsider your need to travel at this time to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, or overland to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces due to high levels of ongoing violence in these regions, including terrorist attacks.
Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you are comfortable travelling to these provinces knowing that there is a very high threat from terrorism and you may be caught up in a terrorist attack. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternate destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to these provinces, you should exercise extreme caution.
Since January 2004, there have been almost daily attacks in Thailand's southern provinces, including arson, explosions, shootings, stabbings and beheadings. Targets have included civilians and members of the security forces, tourist hotels and bars, shops, marketplaces, supermarkets, schools, transport infrastructure and trains. Over 1,000 people have been killed, and many more injured. Some foreign citizens have been killed and injured.
In April 2005, bombs were detonated in Songkhla at the international airport, a hotel and a department store resulting in the deaths and injuries of a number of people. Further attacks could occur at any time. Special security measures have been introduced at all airports in Thailand since the bombing of the airport.
Terrorists have targeted railways in southern provinces and have warned foreign tourists not to travel to these areas. Further attacks are possible.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
You should avoid demonstrations and political rallies as they have the potential to turn violent, including in the period of heightened tension in the lead-up to and immediately following the national election called for 2 April 2006. A number of small explosive devices have been detonated at various locations in Bangkok in recent months. You should monitor the media, follow local instructions and exercise a high degree of caution.
Border regions: There is ongoing fighting and banditry along some sections of the Burma/Thai border. This includes fighting between the military and armed opposition groups as well as clashes between Thai security forces and armed criminal groups, such as drug traffickers. Bandits may target foreigners travelling through national parks or border regions Travellers who have attempted illegal border crossings have been detained and deported from Thailand.
Crime
Sexual assault, food and drink spiking, assault and robbery against foreigners occurs in Thailand, particularly around popular backpacker destinations such as Khao San Road in Bangkok and the night-time entertainment zones of Bangkok and Pattaya, as well as the Full Moon Parties at Koh Phangan.
Petty crime is common. Money and passports have been stolen from rooms (particularly in cheaper hotels and hostels) and from bags on public transport (including on overnight bus services, particularly between Bangkok and Surat Thani). Tourists have also been robbed after their bags were sliced open by razor blades in tourist areas.
In Thailand some travellers have become the victims of scams after they have accepted offers from people recommending or offering various goods or services, particularly with shopping for jewellery and gems. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) can provide official advice on purchasing jewellery and gems.
Travellers have also lost large sums of money through bogus investment schemes and card game scams in Thailand.
Local Travel
You should only travel in authorised taxis in Thailand. Some foreigners who have used unauthorised taxis have been robbed and assaulted. Service counters at Bangkok International Airport may provide information on transport to the city and hotels.
Motor cycle accidents are very common in Thailand, particularly in resort areas such as Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Smui. Under Thai law motor cycle riders and passengers are required to wear helmets but they are often not provided by motorcycle taxis.
To legally hire a car or motorbike in Thailand you need an international and Australian driver's licence. Be aware some rental companies will try to tell you otherwise. If you intend to hire cars, motorcycles, jet skis or any other motorised water sport equipment, talk to your travel insurer to check if it is covered by your insurance policy.
Ferry travel in Thailand can be dangerous, as vessel passenger limits are not always observed or sufficient life jackets provided. In January and February 2005 ferry accidents killed and injured a number of people, including tourists.
Natural Disasters
Areas of the west coast of Thailand were hit by a large tsunami on 26 December 2004. A limited number of hotels and resorts are not fully operational. If staying in these areas you may wish to check in advance that everything is operating normally.
Severe storms and widespread seasonal flooding can occur without warning in Thailand, particularly during the local wet season from June to December.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local laws and legal processes can be very different from those at home. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or unjust by your standards.
In Thailand penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty. The possession of even small quantities of "soft drugs" for recreational purposes can result in lengthy jail sentences and deportation.
Almost all forms of gambling (other than at a few major race tracks) are illegal in Thailand. There can be heavy penalties for illegal gambling of any form.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Thailand or the Thailand Department of Immigration on (678) 22 354 for the most up to date information.
Make sure you obtain visas, entry permits and extensions of stay from Thai immigration authorities.
Avoid individuals advertising visa extension services, as they may stamp passports with fake or illegally obtained exit and entry stamps. Australians with illegal stamps in their passports can be arrested and jailed for up to ten years. Thai authorities have said they will vigorously prosecute these criminal offences.
Travellers who overstay their entry permits will not be allowed to leave Thailand until a fine is paid. The fine is currently 200 Baht per day. Travellers who have overstayed their visas long term have been imprisoned, deported and placed on an immigration blacklist to prevent them returning to Thailand.
It is illegal to work without a work permit. In the past, some employers (particularly of securities telemarketers and currency traders) have promised to arrange work permits but have not and their employees have consequently been jailed and deported from Thailand.
Before boarding a departure flight at Bangkok international airport, you will be required to pay an airport terminal fee of 500 Baht. Payment is only accepted in cash.
Health Issues
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations
and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful
tips for staying healthy while travelling overseas.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time youll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, if you cant afford travel insurance, you cant afford to travel.
Avian Influenza: The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
There has been a human case of avian influenza in Iraq. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in Iraq for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. Medical advice should be sought before antiviral medicines are commenced. Australians intending to travel to Iraq for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.
If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in Iraq should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in Iraq should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.
In February 2006 the Australian Government decided as a precautionary measure to hold a limited supply of the antiviral medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and protective face masks at its embassy in Iraq. The antivirals would primarily be used to protect emergency staff providing consular and other essential services in the event of a widespread outbreak of avian influenza amongst humans. Australian missions will not be in a position to provide influenza antiviral medicines to Australians in affected areas and it is the responsibility of individual Australians to secure their own supply of such medicines (such as Tamiflu or Relenza), if required.
Infectious diseases, such as typhoid and cholera are very common. Iraqi hospitals have limited facilities.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
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