Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.
Reviewed: 23 April 2012, 14:00 NZDT
Still current at:
26 May 2013
There is high risk to your security in the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Songkhla because of ongoing politically-motivated and criminal violence. We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these provinces. Since 2004 there have been over 4,000 deaths as a result of terrorist and other violent attacks. The Thai Government’s Emergency Decree is in force in the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat with the Internal Security Act also applicable in parts of Songkhla. These laws give the police and military forces broad powers in addressing security threats. The Thai Government has warned tourists not to travel to these areas.
There is high risk to your security along the Thailand/Cambodia border and along the Thailand/Burma border and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these areas. There are extensive deployments of Thai and Cambodian troops along large areas of the Thai/Cambodia border. In February and April 2011 there were violent clashes involving loss of life and injuries in the vicinity of Preah Vihear temple (adjacent to Thailand’s Si Sa Ket province and Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province) and in the border areas adjacent to Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Menchey provinces. Sporadic conflict near the Burma/Thai border occurs between the Burma military and armed opposition groups as well as between Thai security forces and armed criminal groups (such as drug traffickers).
There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Thailand due to the threat from terrorism, uncertain political situation and potential for civil unrest and we advise caution.
Terrorism
Due to the threat from terrorism, New Zealanders are advised to exercise a high degree of personal security awareness in Thailand. Particular care should be taken in public and commercial areas, including landmark places known to be frequented by expatriates or foreign tourists, public transport facilities, hotels, bars, tourist resorts and shopping areas. We recommend you comply with any restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities, monitor events closely and remain vigilant.
On 31 March 2012 explosions occurred in the southern provinces of Songgkhla, Yala and Pattani. Two car bombs in Yala’s town centre killed at least nine people and injured more than 100 others. A suspected car bomb killed four people and injured around 300 at a hotel and shopping mall in Hat Yai in Songkhla and an explosion outside a shop in Pattani injured six people.
On 14 February 2012, three explosions occurred in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok (Sukhumvit Soi 71), injuring five people including one of the alleged perpetrators. On 16 January 2012, the Thai authorities made an arrest and seized a large quantity of bomb-making materials in Bangkok thought to be related to an alleged terrorist plot targeting tourist areas. On 13 January 2012, the Thai authorities increased security measures in Bangkok following warnings of a possible terrorist threat. On 16 December 2011, the Thai authorities located and defused bombs in three separate locations in Bangkok.
Civil unrest
Major political protests took place in Bangkok from March to May 2010 resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. A spate of bombings, arson attacks and other violence occurred in Bangkok and in some of Thailand’s northern cities, including Chiang Mai, in 2010.
Large protest rallies, including to mark anniversaries of key dates in the recent protests, have taken place regularly at various locations in Bangkok, especially at the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamneon Avenue, the Rajaprasong intersection, and outside the main government buildings. These rallies may continue and there remains the possibility of further political activity.
New Zealanders throughout Thailand are strongly advised to avoid all protests and rallies, and any areas of military or security force activity.
General travel advice
It is a requirement under Thai law to carry photo identification at all times. A New Zealand driver’s licence or a photocopy of the biodata page from a passport would be adequate identification in the first instance.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Thailand should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place.
New Zealanders in Thailand are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Southeast Asia
Other Countries' Travel Advisories
(External links open in new window)
Britain - United
States - Canada - Australia
Contact details are
Street Address: M Thai Tower, 14th floor,
All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Bangkok
Postal Address: PO Box 2719, Bangkok 10500
Telephone: +66 2 254 2530 Facsimile: +66 2 253 9045
Email: nzembbkk@loxinfo.co.th
Website: New Zealand Embassy Thailand [external link]
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200, 1300-1630 hrs
