Thailand Bangkok travel advice
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Travel news advice: Without fear of stating the obvious. The UK Foreign Office has warned against all but essential travel to Thailand following violent clashes which have left at least 70 people injured and one dead.
A state of emergency has been in force in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathumthani, Nakhon Prathom and Ayudhaya since yesterday (April 12).
Thai Army Armoured vehicles are deployed in the capital and security forces are attempting to clear the streets, with sporadic and heavy gunfire the FO said.
The UK Foreign office described the situation as “volatile and unpredictable with a high risk of further bloodshed”.
The latest advice said: “In view of the risk of a further deterioration, British citizens are warned not to travel to Bangkok unless their visit is absolutely essential and to review their travel plans to other parts of Thailand.
“British residents in Bangkok and other cities affected by the violence are advised to stay indoors and to monitor the media and this travel advice,” the latest FO advice said.
“Several violent clashes have occurred between red-shirted supporters of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin and military and police units in central Bangkok and the seaside resort of Pattaya.
“During the early hours of 13 April, troops used tear gas and fired warning shots at one group of protestors who returned fire. There are reports of some 60-70 injuries.
“Some shops are closed and red-shirted protestors have blocked several road junctions with makeshift barricades and tanker trucks. This is making travel in some parts of Bangkok difficult.
“The Lao/Thai border crossing in Nong Chai is closed and there are reports of road blocks in Chiang Mai and Lampang in northern Thailand.
“Red-shirt leaders have threatened major protests in 50 cities throughout Thailand in the next few days.”
The main Bangkok railway station is closed. However the international airport and the main access road to it remain open, the FO added.
Transit through Bangkok airport has so far been unaffected. Foreigners have not been targeted by the protestors and there are no reports of British citizens being caught up directly in the violence
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Thursday, March 11 2010 08:54 pm
