| A violent showdown between Thai soldiers and | | | | However the international airport and the main |
| anti-government protesters in Bangkok has | | | | access road to it remain open. Transit through |
| prompted governments around the world to issue | | | | Bangkok airport has so far been unaffected. |
| travel warnings. The Foreign Office has advised | | | | Foreigners have not been targeted by the |
| against all but essential travel to Bangkok. British | | | | protestors and there are no reports of British |
| nationals should also review travel plans to other | | | | citizens being caught up directly in the violence. |
| parts of Thailand. British nationals already in | | | | However, the situation remains volatile and |
| Bangkok and other cities affected by the violence | | | | unpredictable with a high risk of further bloodshed. |
| are advised to stay indoors and to monitor the | | | | The political situation in Thailand remains uncertain. |
| media and this travel insurance advice. A state of | | | | Throughout Thailand, British citizens should |
| emergency has been in force in Bangkok and the | | | | exercise great caution and avoid demonstrations |
| surrounding provinces of Nonthaburi, Samut | | | | or large gatherings of people which might turn |
| Prakan, Pathumthani, Nakhon Prathom and | | | | violent. |
| Ayudhaya since 12 April. Armoured vehicles are | | | | Should you become caught up in what is neatly |
| deployed in the capital and security forces are | | | | termed, civil commotion or civil unrest, you need |
| attempting to clear the streets. Several violent | | | | to be aware that most travel insurance providers |
| clashes have occurred between red-shirted | | | | include this as a general exclusion in their policies. |
| supporters of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin and | | | | The impact of this is that you may not be as well |
| military and police units in central Bangkok and the | | | | insured as you think you are. If in doubt, do check |
| seaside resort of Pattaya. During the early hours | | | | with your travel insurance company before you |
| of 13 April, troops used tear gas and fired | | | | travel and look at your policy wording. Generally, |
| warning shots at one group of protestors who | | | | medical expenses and medical repatriation will be |
| returned fire. There are reports of some 60-70 | | | | included but if you want to be covered for all |
| injuries. Some shops are closed and red-shirted | | | | eventualities then you will have to pay an |
| protestors have blocked several road junctions | | | | increased premium for this. Thankfully the |
| with makeshift barricades and tanker trucks. This | | | | chances of being caught up in these types of |
| is making travel in some parts of Bangkok difficult. | | | | incidents are still very slight, and even when they |
| The Lao/Thai border crossing in Nong Chai is | | | | do strike, they tend to be away from the main |
| closed and there are reports of road blocks in | | | | tourist destinations. So if you do plan to visit |
| Chiang Mai and Lampang in northern Thailand. | | | | Thailand, do check with your tour operator |
| Red-shirt leaders have threatened major protests | | | | beforehand who may be able to offer alternative |
| in 50 cities throughout Thailand in the next few | | | | destinations away from the troubled areas. For |
| days. | | | | the independent traveller, be wise and avoid those |
| The main Bangkok railway station is closed. | | | | areas where a heightened tension exists. |