Thailand Travel Advice

For security reasons, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to:

– Pattani
– Yala
– Narathiwat
– Southern Songkhla province. This does not include areas north of and including the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, and areas north-west of the train line which runs between Hat Yai and Pedang Besar

The FCDO advises against using the Hat Yai to Pedang Besar train line, which was attacked in December 2022.

Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Thailand’s current entry restrictions and requirements. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider. These may change with little warning.

If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel – he has a good point – insurance.

On average approximately one million British nationals visit Thailand every year, most visits are trouble free.

Avoid any protests or political gatherings and be wary of making public political statements. Lèse-majesté (criticism of the monarchy in any form) is a crime, which can be broadly interpreted and can carry a long jail sentence. See Political situation

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Thailand. See Terrorism Take care, particularly in public places, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media reports. The authorities have on a number of occasions warned of the possibility of attacks to coincide with symbolic dates or holidays.

Urban areas across Thailand, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, can experience poor air quality and high PM 2.5 counts, occasionally entering the unhealthy and hazardous levels. See Air quality

Make sure you research local laws and customs before you travel. Conviction for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs can lead to the death penalty. See Local laws and customs Laws and penalties can be different from the UK.

There are a high number of road traffic accidents in Thailand especially involving motorcycles. See Road travel

The rainy season in much of Thailand is from May to October. See Rainy season

The Tourist Authority of Thailand’s website and call centre (1672 – press ‘9’ for English) are able to provide some general advice to tourists in English. If you need to contact local emergency services, call 1155 (tourist police) or 1669 (emergency medical services).