The UK Foreign Office has issued a stark Thailand travel warning, with UK holidaymakers urged to avoid key parts of the country.
Thailand is an incredibly popular destination for Scots sun-seekers who are keen to experience a tropical climate, with Emirates operating direct flights to Phuket and Bangkok from Edinburgh Airport.
The Foreign Office’s Thailand travel warning comes in the wake of heavy rains and flooding in parts of the country, as well as areas that are prone to “regular terrorist attacks.”
As well as potentially putting your life in danger, ignoring these Foreign Office warnings can invalidate your travel insurance, so if something does happen you’ll potentially be left dealing with huge financial costs as well.
The FCDO advise against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border, specifically:
- Pattani Province
- Yala Province
- Narathiwat Province
- Southern Songkhla Province – south of the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, and south of the train line which runs between Hat Yai and Padang Besar
They also advise against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces. This is due to regular terrorist attacks in the provinces by the border with Malaysia.
“Indiscriminate attacks”
Delving deeper into the risks of traveling to these areas the FCDO say: “There are regular terrorist attacks in the four provinces in the southern tip of Thailand by the border with Malaysia. However, terrorist attacks could take place anywhere in Thailand.
“Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.”
Severe weather is also a significant risk factor, the FCDO has advised against travel to the city of Chiang Mai or areas near the Ping River, The Mirror reports.
The advice continued: “Thailand is currently facing heavy rains and flooding in parts of the country, including widespread flooding in northern Thailand. Local authorities have issued warnings related to areas near the Ping River, including in central Chiang Mai. Remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities.”
This fresh wave of warnings follows advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issued in July 2024, which explained the consequences travellers face if they overstay their visa. These range from fines to being banned from the country, or a possible stint in “harsh” detainment centres.
In order to visit Thailand, holidaymakers must first obtain a visa that is valid for 60 days and this period can be further extended for another month.
Those who stay beyond their visa periods will be be fined 500 Thai baht (£10.70) a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht (£428). Rule-breakers also risk
- being held in detention
- being deported at their own expense
- being banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years
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