A violent showdown between Thai soldiers and anti-government protesters
in Bangkok has prompted governments around the world to issue travel
warnings. The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential
travel to Bangkok. British nationals should also review travel plans to
other parts of Thailand. British nationals already in Bangkok and other
cities affected by the violence are advised to stay indoors and to
monitor the media and this travel insurance advice.
A violent showdown between Thai soldiers and anti-government
protesters in Bangkok has prompted governments around the world to
issue travel warnings. The Foreign Office has advised against all but
essential travel to Bangkok. British nationals should also review
travel plans to other parts of Thailand. British nationals already in
Bangkok and other cities affected by the violence are advised to stay
indoors and to monitor the media and this travel insurance
advice. A state of emergency has been in force in Bangkok and the
surrounding provinces of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathumthani, Nakhon
Prathom and Ayudhaya since 12 April. Armoured vehicles are deployed in
the capital and security forces are attempting to clear the streets.
Several violent clashes have occurred between red-shirted supporters of
ex-Prime Minister Thaksin and military and police units in central
Bangkok and the seaside resort of Pattaya. During the early hours of 13
April, troops used tear gas and fired warning shots at one group of
protestors who returned fire. There are reports of some 60-70 injuries.
Some shops are closed and red-shirted protestors have blocked several
road junctions with makeshift barricades and tanker trucks. This is
making travel in some parts of Bangkok difficult. The Lao/Thai border
crossing in Nong Chai is closed and there are reports of road blocks in
Chiang Mai and Lampang in northern Thailand. Red-shirt leaders have
threatened major protests in 50 cities throughout Thailand in the next
few days.
The main Bangkok railway station is closed. However the
international airport and the main access road to it remain open.
Transit through Bangkok airport has so far been unaffected. Foreigners
have not been targeted by the protestors and there are no reports of
British citizens being caught up directly in the violence. However, the
situation remains volatile and unpredictable with a high risk of
further bloodshed. The political situation in Thailand remains
uncertain. Throughout Thailand, British citizens should exercise great
caution and avoid demonstrations or large gatherings of people which
might turn violent.
Should you become caught up in what is neatly termed, civil commotion or civil unrest, you need to be aware that most travel insurance
providers include this as a general exclusion in their policies. The
impact of this is that you may not be as well insured as you think you
are. If in doubt, do check with your travel insurance
company before you travel and look at your policy wording. Generally,
medical expenses and medical repatriation will be included but if you
want to be covered for all eventualities then you will have to pay an
increased premium for this. Thankfully the chances of being caught up
in these types of incidents are still very slight, and even when they
do strike, they tend to be away from the main tourist destinations. So
if you do plan to visit Thailand, do check with your tour operator
beforehand who may be able to offer alternative destinations away from
the troubled areas. For the independent traveller, be wise and avoid
those areas where a heightened tension exists.
South
African born Keith has lived in the south of England for most of his life.
After graduating from University with a degree in Business Information Systems Management
