Thailand Travel Tips

Thailand is a hotspot for British tourists and travellers all year round, but recent events have led to increased unease among those who are due to travel to the region. The murder of Katherine Horton, various bombs, civil unrest and the Thai prime minister threatening to declare a state of emergency should protests turn violent is all pretty daunting stuff, for even the most hardened traveller. We?ve definitely had a significant surge in the number of members calling us for travel advice before heading out to the area. Whilst we don?t currently advise against travelling to Thailand, we do stress that people need to more vigilant than they might otherwise be. Due to the volatile situation in the country, it is essential that travellers in Thailand keep abreast of the latest developments through media sources, the internet or by contacting red24.? commented Neil Thompson, operational director, red24.

 Top-tips:

-     Do not discuss politics with local people at this politically sensitive time as this may evoke strong sentiments and elicit emotional responses

-      If you hear that a demonstration is to take place avoid the area. If you come across a protest, do not become inquisitive, just leave the area and find another route to your destination. With this in mind it is critical to carry a map with you at all times so that you know where you are at all times and can use it to navigate the streets to a safer place if needs be

-       red24 advises travellers to avoid the vicinity of government buildings and facilities as with the continuation of civil unrest, further bombings cannot be ruled out

-       Travellers are advised to avoid Bangkok?s Royal Square (Sanam Luang) where most of the recent large scale anti government protests have been taking place, and the vicinity of ?government house?, Thailand?s seat of government, where several rallies have occurred. Navanakorn Public Park, on the outskirts of Bangkok, should also be avoided.

-      If you are outside when a bombing occurs it is advisable to leave the area immediately and to move to a safe location some distance from the initial blast

-      Stay away from unattended packages and report them immediately to local authorities

-       Avoid taking shortcuts through deserted areas and avoid isolated beaches and other remote or isolated locations. If with a friend or travelling companion ensure that someone else knows where you are going in order to raise the alarm if you do not return as planned.

-      Politely refuse offers of food or drink from strangers, and when in pubs and clubs, do not leave your drink unattended as it can be spiked.

Background information:

On 6 March 2006, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra rejected calls for his resignation, increasing tensions and bringing Thailand closer to a full and possibly violent confrontation between opponents and supporters of his administration. Thaksin?s defiance in the face of prolonged calls for his removal followed a protest the day before in which tens of thousands of anti-Thaksin activists marched on his office after a rally accusing the embattled Thai premier of corruption, abuse of power, human rights violations and incompetence. Many said that they will not leave until Thaksin has stepped down from office. Earlier on 5 March, Thaksin had received a further blow as a group of 98 prominent Thais, including members of the aristocracy, senators, leading intellectuals and businessmen, submitted a petition to Thailand?s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, asking him to invoke an article of the constitution that enables the King to intervene and appoint an interim prime minister. This recent crisis is considered the country?s biggest political emergency since 1992, when protests forced the removal of a military-backed government.

Since Thaksin?s government was re-elected to power with a record majority in February 2005, the Thai premier has been consistently attacked over issues including conflicts of interest, media freedom, ministerial ethics, education reforms, free trade pacts, planned sales of shares in public utilities, and his mishandling of a Muslim insurgency in southern Thailand. However, the demonstrations increased both in scale and frequency after a US$1.9 billion income tax-free sale of the Thaksin family company Shin Corp to a Singaporean government investment firm in January 2006. Thaksin denied any wrongdoing in the sale but was forced into a tactical retreat in the face of sustained criticism and weekly protests, prompting him on 24 February to dissolve parliament and call for a general election for 02 April - three years ahead of schedule - stating that his critics were not truly representative and that the nation as a whole must judge him and his record.

The three main opposition parties responded to Thaksin?s political gamble by stating that they would boycott the elections, which Thaksin - whose populist social and economic policies have earned him widespread adulation in the rural northern and eastern provinces ? would almost certainly win. The opposition?s refusal to take part in the electoral process threatens both the credibility and the legitimacy of Thai democracy and has the potential to drive the country into even greater political turmoil.

Although the steadily broadening array of forces against the former policeman and businessman suggest that his downfall is almost inevitable, Thaksin does have legitimacy through the parliamentary process, genuine popular support in the countryside and the political nous to stay in power until the April elections. However, even if Thaksin wins that election, Thailand?s current political paralysis looks unlikely to end in the short term. The protests and hostility from Thailand?s urban and educated population are not likely to cease in the event of a Thaksin victory and such an atmosphere will certainly continue to weaken Thaksin?s ability to govern. His continued presence in office also increases the likelihood of violent confrontations. And such violence might well provide the pretext for royal intervention and the creation of an interim government or it could provoke Thaksin into declaring a state of emergency, thrusting Thailand into some form of civilian dictatorship.

If the anti-Thaksin factions manage to drive the beleaguered prime minister from office there is the risk of national fragmentation as Thaksin?s supporters in the rural areas may protest against what they perceive to be a democratic injustice. There is also the possibility that the military might launch a coup if an opportunity were to present itself. The country?s recent history has been characterised by a cycle of weak civilian governments and military take-overs and although the Chief of Staff General, Sonthi Boonyaratklin, denied the talk of a possible coup on 28 February, the Thai military?s track record and the country?s perilous state mean that such an eventuality cannot be ruled out.

Thaksin's inability to reconcile his significant business interests with those required of a prime minister and his increasingly authoritarian posture has brought about a dangerous political crisis. Unless Thaksin or his critics deviate from their current path, Thailand will either continue to stagnate in political paralysis or it will explode into bloody confrontation and violence.

Recent bomb attacks and threats in Bangkok

A small bomb was detonated outside Thailand?s Justice Ministry in Bangkok on 17 January 2006; three people suffered minor injuries in the explosion. It remains unclear who was responsible for the bombing, although there is speculation that it could be related to the Islamist separatist insurgency in the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Songkhla. Thus far, however, there have been no confirmed attacks by Islamist separatist insurgents outside these restive provinces. 

On 1 December 2005 security at embassies and other foreign missions in Bangkok was heightened after terrorist threats to the country. As a result, plain clothed officers continue to guard buildings such as foreign embassies and government offices and thorough searches will be carried out at these locations. More police are patrolling areas popular with foreigners including Sukhumvit, Nana and the Khao San Road. The Khao San Road in particular has long been identified as a hot target for a potential terrorist attack. 
 
On 3 November 2005, a small bomb exploded inside the compound of Thailand's Manager Media Group. The bomb caused minimal damage and no injury. The bomb may have been an attempt to threaten Sondhi Limthongkul, a founder of Manager Media Group and an outspoken critic of the government.

16 March 2006