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No current US State Department warnings. Australian DFAT advises a "High Degree of Caution" when travelling to Thailand, and to "Reconsider your need to travel" to the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla.
UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises: • We advise against all but essential travel to, or through, the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla. There continue to be frequent attacks, including bombings and shootings, due to insurgency and civil unrest. Most recently, on 22 May 2007 a British national was among seven people injured in a bomb blast in Yala.
• There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Thailand. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets in public places including those places frequented by foreigners. On31 December 2006, eight bombs exploded at various locations in Bangkok, killing three people and injuring 36 others, including six foreigners. Thai authorities warned that there could be further attacks in Bangkok at any time and strengthened security in the city.
• The martial law, which was imposed in Thailand following the 19 September 2006 coup, has now been lifted in 41 (of the total of 76) provinces, including Bangkok. However, there remains a risk of further political instability in Thailand and you should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. Large political demonstrations are expected to take place at Sanam Luang, Bangkok on 16 and 24 June 2007.
• Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can include the death penalty.
• Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Thailand have resulted in a small number of human fatalities. As a precaution, you should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
• Around 850,000 British nationals visit Thailand every year. The main types of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Thailand in 2006 were for: replacing lost or stolen passports (over 750 cases); deaths, mostly from road accidents or related to drink/drugs (over 250 cases); and hospitalisations (over 220 cases). The majority of consular cases occur in Bangkok, Pattaya and Koh Samui.
• We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Links to Government Advisories for Thailand UK Foreign Office - U.S. State Department - Australian DFAT
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