Canada warns about travel to Thailand amid ongoing political tensions in the country's capital and the southern provinces.
The Canadian government has updated its Thailand travel advisory, warning travellers to exercise "a high degree of caution" in the country due to "ongoing political tensions and sporadic demonstrations in Bangkok and other areas."
Political instability in Thailand has created a "volatile and unpredictable security environment" across the country, particularly in Bangkok, according to the update.
Legal provisions allow the military the right to:
- prevent public gatherings
- censor media
- impose curfews
- set up checkpoints
- restrict movement
- search for weapons
- exercise force in response to violence
While Canada doesn't advise travellers not to visit Thailand, they should avoid all travel to the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala due to the "unpredictable security situation."
The advisory notes that "separatist insurgents periodically perpetrate violent attacks" such as shootings, bombings, and arson, in the following areas:
- Narathiwat
- Pattani
- Songkhla
- Yala
Martial law and heavily enhanced security measures are in place in these areas, providing increased enforcement powers for authorities to:
- detain suspects without charge
- conduct searches
- seize objects or documents
- impose curfews
The Canadian government warns access to social media services may be intermittently suspended during political turmoil. Radio stations and websites may also be unavailable.
Canada's Thailand travel advisory
Beyond the current political tensions, the Canadian government warned travellers of other safety considerations in Thailand.
Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, are common. Travellers shouldn't leave bags unattended and ensure valuables are secure in crowded places such as trains, busy markets, and big events.
Women should "be particularly vigilant" when attending big events, such as full moon parties and festivals, and during Songkran (the Thai New Year holiday from April 13 to 15), indicates the advisory.
Terrorist attacks have occurred in the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala. These small-scale bomb attacks typically occur in places of worship, government buildings, schools, airports, and other public areas.
Entertainment venues may attempt to overcharge tourists and disputes about costs may lead to threats of violence. Many Canadians also fall victim to scams in Thailand, including rental scams where companies accuse travellers of damaging equipment and then "harassing and threatening" them when they refuse to pay. Travellers should avoid these situations by taking photos of rented vehicles and other rentals before using them as proof of any pre-existing issues. Additionally, they should ensure the vehicle is fully "insured to cover damage and theft."
Other scams travellers may encounter when travelling in Thailand include scams involving gems and jewellery. Merchants will sell lower-quality items at inflated prices and tell the buyers they may be resold at a profit.
Visiting Thailand from Vancouver
From Vancouver International Airport (YVR) travellers can fly directly to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok or via connecting flights.
Air Canada offers the only nonstop option on the popular route, with thrice-weekly service from Vancouver to the Thai capital.
Airlines that fly to or partially to Bangkok via one of their airline partners include Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air India, Alaska, American, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Asiana, Austrian, Bangkok Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, China Southern, Condor, Delta, Emirates, Ethiopian, Etihad, EVA Air, Finnair, Gulf Air, Hainan, JAL (Japan Airlines), KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines), Korean Air, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Sichuan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan, Starlux, Swiss, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, WestJet, and Zipair.
Find more information about exciting destinations in B.C. and across the globe, as well as travel deals and tips, by signing up for V.I.A.'s weekly travel newsletter The Wanderer. Since travel deals can sell out, find out the day they are posted by signing up for our daily Travel Deals newsletter.
Want to learn more about a specific destination or have a travel concern or idea you would like V.I.A. to write about? Email us at [email protected]. Send us stories about recent holidays that you've been on, or if you have any tips you think our readers should know about.
