Travel Warning to Thailand Continues

(Dive Travel Business News - July 19, 2010) -- The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade advises travelers to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Thailand. Large-scale political demonstrations marked by violence, unrest, and rioting occurred in Bangkok from March 12 to May 25, 2010 resulted in deaths and injuries.

"A state of emergency is effect in Bangkok and in 18 provinces: Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Chonburi, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Mahasarakham, Roi-et, Nongbualamphu, Sakhonnakorn, and Mukdahan. The state of emergency can affect civil liberties by limiting the right to assembly as well as freedom of movement, and may include imposing searches, checkpoints, curfews, and other restrictions.

"On May 19, 2010, Thai authorities used force to disperse protesters who had been encamped in Bangkok's central business district, with the principal demonstration site centred at the Ratchaprasong intersection, and in other parts of the city since March 12, 2010. The military operation was followed by intense rioting, gunfire, explosions, arson, and clashes between security forces and demonstrators in Bangkok. Between May 13 and 19, 2010, the ongoing violence had caused dozens of deaths and over 400 injuries, as well as the temporary closure of the Embassy of Canada.  On May 7, 2010, two attacks on security personnel near the protest zone, one involving gunfire and the other a grenade attack, resulted in two deaths and more than a dozen injuries. On April 28, 2010, a clash between demonstrators and security forces just north of Bangkok killed one person and injured at least 10 others. On April 22, 2010, a series of grenade attacks on Silom Road killed one person and injured more than 80. On April 10, 2010, violent clashes in the area of the Democracy Monument resulted in over 800 casualties, including more than 20 deaths. Water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and live rounds were employed.  Previously, the areas of Ratchadamnoen Road, the Democracy Monument, Phanfa Bridge, and Government House in Bangkokwere affected.

"Further civil unrest, sporadic violence, and attacks remain a risk anywhere in the country. Even though the demonstrations and associated violence had been focused mostly in Bangkok, unrest and demonstrations also occurred in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Khen, and Udon Thani. Canadians are advised to avoid any protests that might occur, military installations, or concentrations of security personnel, as well as prominent government buildings. Canadians should exercise caution, follow the advice of local authorities, and remain informed of current issues by monitoring local media."

AVOID ALL NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL:
"Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to border areas in the Thai provinces of Tak and Mae Hong Son due to ongoing armed conflict on the Burmese side of the border. Incursions and shelling into Thailand have occurred. Border crossing points may close without notice. AVOID ALL TRAVEL: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the Preah Vihear temple (Khao Phra Viharn in Thai) area between Preah Vihear province in Cambodia and Sisaket province in Thailand due to a border dispute. Armed forces from both countries have been involved in this ongoing dispute, which has included the exchange of gunfire between troops. Tensions are high and military hostilities could escalate without warning. Martial law is in effect in the area and the presence of landmines has been reported."

AVOID ALL TRAVEL:
"Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to and through the far southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla (including the city of Hat Yai). These provinces have been experiencing criminally and politically motivated violent incidents, including acts attributed to armed insurgents. Attacks against military and civilian targets occur almost daily, and include shootings, bombings, beheadings, and arson.

"Violence in the Muslim-majority southernmost provinces is highly unpredictable and, although we have no evidence to suggest that foreigners are directly targeted, Canadians travelling in the region risk becoming accidental casualties of an indiscriminate attack. These attacks are regularly directed towards government and security buildings and personnel, but have also occurred in a variety of public places, including shopping districts and entertainment venues which may be frequented by tourists.

"Deadly attacks occur frequently. Recent incidents include: Two bombs that were detonated outside a restaurant in Yala province on June 12, 2010 killed one person and injured 24; an explosion in Narathiwat on December 9, 2009 killed three people and injured many others; a vehicle bomb which exploded on August 25, 2009 in Narathiwat town injured 42 people; and an attack by gunmen on June 8, 2009 killed at least 11 worshipers and injured many others in a mosque in the Cho-ai-rong district of Narathiwat province.

"Heavily enhanced security measures, including martial law in some areas, are in place in the four provinces which provide authorities with increased enforcement powers that may be used to address ongoing violence in the region. These measures may allow authorities to detain suspects without charge, conduct searches, seize objects or documents, and impose curfews."

TRAVEL REGISTRY:
The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade advises all travelers to Thailand to register with their country of citizenship and reminds travelers they are solely responsible for their own safety and security.