Thailand: political instability & security issues.

A State of Emergency remains in force in Bangkok and Chang Mai three months after violent anti-government protests in the capital, which killed 85 people and injured over 1300.

The two popular tourist destinations are among the ten Thai provinces which remain covered by the decree. In the immediate aftermath of the "redshirts" protests a state of emergency was declared in 23 provinces. The government has twice amended it. In the latest change on 29 July, 6 provinces in the northeast were returned to normal.

The Thai government has said the emergency decree will stay in place in Bangkok following 3 incidents:

• Sunday 25 July a grenade exploded at a bus stop outside the Big C shopping complex on Ratchadumri Road, killing one person and injuring ten. The explosion coincided with a parliamentary by-election
• At 1:00am on 30 July another grenade exploded opposite the King Power shopping centre in the Ratchathewi district. A junk collector was seriously injured. (It's not clear if this was a deliberate attack or a grenade which had been discarded during the May protests).
• On August 3rd the government announced it would increase security in Bangkok after receiving advice from an intelligence agency warning that there is a possibility of attacks with car bombs in busy business districts including Silom.

How does this affect travellers?

The 10 provinces STILL under emergency law are:
Bangkok, Chiangmai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Chiangrai, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and Smut Prakan.

Visitors to these provinces may be stopped by authorities at checkpoints. It is a legal requirement to carry identification with you at all times in Thailand. A driver's license with a photo, or a photocopy of your passport will do.

What's the official government advice?

The Australian government through its smartraveller site is presently urging its citizens to "exercise a high degree of caution". Other governments have similar alert levels, but you should check your government's travel advice regularly.

How does this affect my travel insurance?

If you are innocently caught up in an incident, or there's a sudden eruption of violence, generally your insurer will look after you as long especially if you follow these sensible guidelines.

What should you do?

• Avoid public gatherings or demonstrations, and areas where you see police or military movement.
• Monitor local media reports and follow the advice of police and military.
• If you suspect unrest or violence has broken out close to you, remain in your hotel room and follow the instructions of staff, police and military authorities.
• In Bangkok, exercise extreme caution while moving around areas which were part of the Redshirts protests, as they appear to be the focal point of further unrest.
• Advise friends and family of your location via phone, email or on your travel blog, just in case the situation deteriorates.

As always, take time to read the policy to make sure the cover is right for you.

Other parts of Thailand are unsafe.

Outside of the provinces under the State of Emergency, there are other parts of Thailand where foreign office or government advise you do not travel. These are the southernmost provinces Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla where a separatist insurgency continues.

Your travel insurance policy may not cover you if you travel to these provinces against this advice.

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