Canada has lifted a warning against non-essential travel to strife-torn Thailand, but it’s still urging visitors to “exercise a high degree of caution” if they choose to go.
Canada
The Foreign Affairs Department notes that a state of emergency still exists in Bangkok and 23 Thai provinces after more than two months of political demonstrations and lethal violence.
It says the state of emergency can affect civil liberties by limiting the right to assembly as well as freedom of movement, and may include searches, checkpoints, curfews, and other restrictions.
And it warns that further civil unrest and sporadic violence remain a risk throughout the country.
Although protest areas have been cleared, Ottawa says the Thai government continues to deploy police and military forces in response to the recent unrest.
Australia
Australians are no longer advised to reconsider the need to travel to Thailand, however DFAT does advise people to exercise a high degree of caution.
Travellers are warned there remains a high chance of a terrorist attack or further civil unrest.
Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has also told an international conference the security situation has improved.
Speaking at the Asian leg of the World Economic Forum in Vietnam he said Thailand was “back, safe and secure”.
Philippines
The Department of Foreign Affairs has lifted its advisory against travel to Thailand, citing “improved peace and order situation” in the capital Bangkok.
“In view of the improved peace and order situation in Bangkok, Thailand, the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok said Filipino nationals may now undertake travels to Thailand,” the DFA said.
“Filipino travelers are advised to still exercise extra caution if travelling to Bangkok or other cities or provinces,” it added.
The statement was dated June 4 but issued only yesterday.
The DFA last May 15 issued a travel advisory against Thailand asking Filipinos to “postpone non-essential travels” to that country particularly to Bangkok due to the escalating violence there.
Vietnam
Vietnamese travel agencies have resumed tours to Thailand since the beginning of June 2010, offering many attractive promotion programs.
The Government of Thailand is making every effort to recover the tourism industry that suffered from the recent political uncertainties. In April and May, the number of tourists to Thailand every day decreased by 12,000-14,000 in comparison with last year.
Discounts galore
On June 2, 2010, Saigontourist joined forces with Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to launch a promotional program to tour Bangkok and Pattaya for six days, flying with Vietnam Airlines. Travelers pay only $175, not including $110 worth of taxes and airport fees.
The tours depart from HCM City on June 9, 13, 15, 17 and 19. Other 5-day tours from Hanoi to Bangkok and Pattaya with Thai Airways have cost $319, departing on June 12, 16, 20 and 26.
Saigontourist also has 5-day tours to Supatra Land Orchard for $319, departing Hanoi on June 12, 16, 20 and 26 and 5-day tours of Thailand and Vimanmek Palace for $150, departing in HCM City on June 2, 4, 6, 8,10, 12, 12, 16 and 18.
Thailand travel warnings eased by US and UK
The U.S., Britain and other countries are easing their warnings against travel to Thailand after the violent political protests in Bangkok ended.
Anti-government “Red Shirt” protesters had occupied part of central Bangkok for weeks. The military cleared the streets in mid-May; nearly 90 people died and hundreds were injured during the protests which caused Bangkok tourism to plummet.
Get updates at the U.S. State Department website, www.travel.state.gov
