Thailand Travel Information

Thailand's Internal Rumblings

Thailand Safety

• Come to Thailand, but consider avoiding the deep South
• Avoid political gatherings

Thailand Political Gatherings

Generally, political gatherings are peaceful. But some recent violence has resulted in a number of persons being killed. Travelers are wise to avoid political gatherings and the areas in which they are being held.

For your own safety and to avoid being blacklisted from Thailand, do not take any active role in any demonstrations.

Military Coups

Thailand has had 19 coups since one overthrew the Thai absolute monarchy in 1932. That first coup was bloodless.

The coup that occurred on September 22 has also been bloodless so far. We believe it will, for the most part, remain that way.

There will obviously be all sorts of political maneuvering and posturing, but the military seems to be avoiding large scale confrontations by banning political gatherings.

That being said, there is wide-scale popular support for the coup.

Thailand Tourists

If it were not for the military on the streets of Bangkok, tourists would probably never know that a coup had taken place. Soldiers are friendly, even posing for photos with civilians.

Travelers should see no disruption of their holidays at all. Transportation has been virtually unaffected and resorts areas such as Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Krabi continue to operate normally.

Military Coup in Thailand

Terrorism in Southern Thailand

One series of bombings injured 72 and killed 4 people. The terrorism was assumed to be the work of Muslim insurgents who have been increasingly active in Thailand's three southern provinces of Narathiwat, Yala and Sathun.

Involving Had Yai in their terror campaign, the terrorist seemed to have started targeting tourists. The bombings targeted department stores, pubs hotels, and massage parlors. Part of the controversy fueling the terrorism was the manner in which PM Taksin handled several major incidents and continued to handle the insurgency.

Some authorities suggest that outsiders are orchestrating the campaign.

Thailand Travelers Should Consider ..

Avoid Songkla, Narathiwat, Yala and Sathun. Particularly, avoid large cities such as Had Yai. Americans, especially, should consider avoiding Pattani.

Terror bombings in Had Yai

Thailand Guide