Australians :DO NOT TRAVEL Thailand Warning!

[travelerjim]

From Australia - Government....
DFAT issues this warning:

Thailand overall

This Advice is current for Thursday, 27 November 2008.

Be alert to own security
Exercise caution
High degree of caution
Reconsider your need to travel
Do not travel

This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary
and under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (contact details for airlines).

The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

* We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution because of the uncertain political situation
and high threat of terrorist attack.

We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets,
including tourist areas and other places frequented by foreigners.

* Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for
information about possible new safety or security risks.

* There have been large-scale political demonstrations and related incidents resulting in
fatalities and injuries in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.

* You should avoid demonstrations, political rallies and concentrations of security personnel
because of the ongoing political unrest. Demonstrations have occurred at a number of government
buildings including Government House, the Parliament building, Police Headquarters and at airports.

* Demonstrations and violent incidents at Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Muang Airport
in Bangkok have disrupted services. Suvarnabhumi International Airport is currently closed and the duration
of the closure is not known at this stage.

* Before travelling to Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Muang Airport, Australians
should check with their airline on the status of their flight and the situation at these airports.
They should closely monitor developments and follow any instructions issued by local authorities.

* Australians scheduled to travel to Thailand should contact their airline to confirm their travel plans.
(see Civil Unrest/Political Tension).

* You should avoid unnecessary travel to the area around Government House and other
demonstration sites. Several attacks, including with hand grenades and explosive devices resulting
in some fatalities and a number of injuries have occurred. Further violence cannot be ruled out.

------------------------------------

Additionally,

tj

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gra45....noted this mate??

Most if not all of the problems seem to be centered on Bangkok. As long as the planes can land and you keep away from problem areas it should be OK

In UK and northern Ireland during the "troubles" there were far more incidents than in Thailand at the moment.

If these people target the tourist industry they are only going to hurt teir own people.

David

[Beachlover]

This post is a bit misleading.

The Aussie government has NOT issued a "do not travel" warning for all of Thailand.

It has split it's recommendations:

1. For a few southern provinces "Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla" it says "Do not travel"... certainly makes sense.

2. For the REST OF THAILAND, it just says "Exercise a high degree of caution"... fair enough. This is still 2 steps away from being a "do not travel" recommendation.

[Brad the Impala]

Just how many of these warnings is TJ planning to post under scary headlines?!

[Beachlover]

Over reacting drama queen headline writer... misleading too!

In UK and northern Ireland during the "troubles" there were far more incidents than in Thailand at the moment.

I think you will find that Northern Ireland during the "troubles" was hardly the international tourist destination which Thailand is (was)!!

[Hmmm]

TJ is now looking prescient. The Australian government today split its advisory 3 ways, introducing a special category for Bangkok:
1. Southern provinces - do not travel
2. Bangkok - reconsider your need to travel
3. Thailand overall - high degree of caution (ie same as UK etc)
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/ ... e/Thailand

'Reconsider your need to travel' is usually issued due to likely danger. In this instance it's more a case of ... 'and exactly how were you planning to get there ?'. :-)

Does someone else need to tell you to stay away from Thailand? Use your bloody heads.