Renewed violence brings new warning not to travel to Bangkok

Thursday, 20th May 2010

A huge increase in political violence in the Thai capital has led the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to upgrade its warning for British nationals. The FCO now says they should avoid any travel to Bangkok. The FCO had previously warned only to avoid non-essential travel to Thailand’s capital city.

Those transiting through Suvarnabhumi International Airport, just outside the capital, are not affected. The FCO also says to avoid non-essential travel to the northern city of Chiang Mai. Violence has also been reported in the northeastern cities of Khon Kaen and Udon Thani. Travellers should carry passports or other identification, as well as travel tickets, to show if officials stop them at security checkpoints.

The latest upsurge in violence comes amidst rising tensions, after protesters were finally cleared from the rally site in a key Bangkok commercial district that they have held for some two months. Troops backed with armoured personnel carriers invaded the southern end of the fortified rally site early on Wednesday morning.

In the violence that followed, protesters looted and burned major shopping malls. Operations to secure other parts of Bangkok from hardcore protesters continue. Security concerns have led the British Embassy in Bangkok to close. A limited consular service is being offered via an alternative location. For more information, travellers can call 02 305 8333 (Thailand number).

← London airports again closed by ash
→ BA staff walkout hits thousands of flights.
↑ May 2010 news index

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