Advice from Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Thailand (updated 3 September 2008)

A State of Emergency was declared in Bangkok on 2 September 2008.  If you are  in Bangkok, or have plans to travel there, you should keep yourself informed of developments, including by regularly checking the FCO website www.fco.gov.uk

Major demonstrations are taking place in central Bangkok.  There have been outbreaks of violence, including clashes in the early hours of 2 September resulting in the death of one demonstrator and injuries to around 40 others.  There is the possibility of further violent clashes.  You should exercise caution, avoiding any demonstrations or large gatherings of people.

If you are planning to visit Thailand in the next few days you should consider the present situation in Bangkok and that travel in Thailand is subject to possible disruption when making your decision. Railway services are disrupted.  You are advised to check with your airline before travel as flights are also affected, for example from Hat Yai airport. 

We advise against all but essential travel to, or through, the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla.