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Thailand Travel Alert

A number of countries have now issues a Thailand Travel Alert to their citizens urging them to only visit Thailand on essential travel.

The current situation is more settled now although there are still underlying problems that will re-surface from time to time.

For anyone considering a holiday in Thailand you can still feel safe as a tourist although it is best to avoid the hotspots in Bangkok. It is still easy to avoid trouble in Thailand if you are well informed. The biggest problem you are likely to encounter as a tourist at present is getting some travel insurance!

Summary of the Current Unrest

In its simplest form, it’s the red shirts vs. the yellow Shirts

Red Shirts are generally from the provinces and are aggrieved that the Army deposed Thaksin (former democratically elected PM). This was swiftly followed by the removal of the subsequent Thai PM on the basis that he starred in his own TV cooking show.

The Yellow Shirts (conservative middle to upper class) argue that Thaksin was corrupt and was milking the economy and his elected replacement (the former TV chef) was in breach of office by appearing the the TV show.... hmmmmm

So we have the farming and rural community vs ruling ad middle class city dwellers... the City being mainly Bangkok.

AKA..... Red Shirts vs. Yellow Shirts

Who is right? I can't say. As a foreigner it is best not to take sides in a problem that is essentially Thai. Whatever the outcome I guess we will have to respect it if we want to live happily in Thailand.

Common Sense Advice

Read your Governments advice on travel and be aware that if you do decide to travel against their advice then your travel insurance may be void

Although the situation in Bangkok has become less serious some major shopping centres were damaged in the recent unrest. Check with your tour representative on places that are still open for business.

If you see any trouble brewing or large crowds with red or yellow t-shirts, take a wide berth, generally as a tourist you will be left alone

Where a curfew is in place (generally they are now over), then respect the local conditions and stay in at night when you are asked to

Before you travel in Thailand, check to see if any problems have been reported. Tour guides, travel company representaives or hotel staff are usually well informed of any new Thailand Travel Alert

There are many 24 hours English speaking news channels that can provide up to date information on any Thailand travel alert

In any event, if you also follow the travel tips that are available for free on this site, you will be greeted with a genuine warm smile by Thai people. Tourism is a major industry in Thailand and they will not want the image tarnished on a permanent basis

Wear a Blue Shirt. I would.

We cannot tell you whether to visit the country or not, that is entirely your decision as a grown up!

As we know the country fairly well we are still allowing guests to come and see us from the USA and the UK but just missing out the Bangkok trips for them and staying flexible on travel.

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