Travel Warning: Protests - Security Concerns Thailand September 2008

Anti-government protests forced the closure of three airports recently - Phuket, Krabi, and Hat Yai. Travellers should be aware that the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) group are holding demonstrations outside government offices across the country, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. The rallies could cause further disruptions at airports and rail stations.

Most visits to Thailand are trouble-free but travellers should be aware that there are serious security concerns in the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla due to ongoing violent insurgency. On 15 March, a car bomb exploded in the parking lot of a Pattani hotel, killing two people and injuring 13. The Thai-Myanmar border is also potentially volatile.

Thailand and Cambodia have resolved the territorial dispute at the site of an ancient Hindu temple which lies on the border. In July, more than 500 Thai and 1000 Cambodian soldiers were stationed on either side of the Preah Vihear temple, and the UN Security Council was called on to resolve the dispute. The trouble started after Unesco classified the temple as a Cambodian World Heritage Site, resulting in protests from Thai activists.

Following the general election in December, Thailand has returned to democratic rule under a coalition government, but travellers should still exercise caution, and avoid political rallies and demonstrations in the capital.

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