Travel Security Online
Thailand: Government announces 60-day state of emergency
Special Advisory - Thailand: Bangkok, surrounding provinces:
Monitor developments after government announces 60-day state of
emergency from 22 January
The government has announced the imposition of a 60-day state of
emergency from 22 January in the capital Bangkok and parts of
Nonthburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan provinces. The measure is
being imposed due to the indefinite shutdown' of Bangkok by
anti-government activists who are calling for, among other things,
the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her Puea
Thai caretaker government and the cancellation of the 2 February
general elections.
Travel Advice
1. Personnel travelling in or to Thailand, including Bangkok,
should maintain heightened awareness and monitor ongoing
developments. For more information, please see our detailed
report.
1. Organisations and businesses in Bangkok should review any
existing business continuity plans and ensure their staff are fully
briefed on the current situation. Consider alternative working
practices for employees in Bangkok.
1. Managers should review any existing evacuation plans to
ensure they remain updated and actionable. Any enhancements or
additions to plans or procedures should be appropriate to deal with
the threat and any associated disruption.
1. Those intending to travel to Thailand at this time should
ensure they contact the relevant International SOS Assistance
Centre prior to any travel to ensure they are fully updated on the
current situation and any necessary mitigation measures. Assistance
can also be provided with on-the-ground logistics, security support
and assistance with the development of evacuation plans.
1. Monitor our travel security alerts for further updates.
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Special Advisory - Thailand: Bangkok, surrounding provinces:
Monitor developments closely after government announces 60-day
state of emergency from 22 January (Revised 16.46 GMT)
The authorities will impose a 60-day state of emergency from 22
January in Bangkok and parts of Nonthburi, Pathum Thani and Samut
Prakan provinces. Further details will be announced when it comes
into effect. The decree gives the authorities the power to ban
public gatherings of more than five people, impose curfews,
restrict the movement of personnel in certain areas, and allows the
military to play a more prominent role in policing. However, the
authorities have clarified that no such measures are currently in
place and no attempt will be made to forcibly disperse protesters.
Access to and operations at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (
BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) continue as normal.
Travel to Thailand, including Bangkok, can continue, though
personnel should maintain heightened awareness and monitor
developments closely.
The measure is being imposed following several incidents of
violence during the ongoing indefinite shutdown' of Bangkok by
anti-government activists who are calling for, among other things,
the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her Puea
Thai caretaker government and the cancellation of the 2 February
general elections. Four people have been killed and more than 260
others injured in grenade and gun attacks on protest sites and
rallies since 26 December. Anti-government protest leader Suthep
Thuagsubun has stated the protests would continue as scheduled. For
further information see our detailed report on the shutdown' which
began on 13 January.
Travel Briefing
While the state of emergency represents a change in policing
tactics, it does not necessarily indicate an imminent deterioration
in the security situation. The authorities have stated that the
measure is being implemented to prevent further incidents of
violence targeting anti-government activists or potential clashes
between pro and anti government activists. A heightened security
force presence in Bangkok and other affected areas; associated
measures may include traffic restrictions, checkpoints and road
closures in the vicinity of important government buildings and
protest sites, which could impede travel. Personnel should comply
with directives issued by the authorities and carry identification
to ease passage through any potential checkpoints. While the
authorities are unlikely to use the full range of powers at their
disposal, the immediate impact remains unclear; organisations and
businesses in Bangkok should review any existing business
continuity plans and ensure their staff are fully briefed on the
current situation.
Travel Advice Summary
1. Travellers to Thailand, including Bangkok, should maintain
heightened awareness and monitor ongoing developments. For more
information, please see our detailed report on the issue.
1. Organisations and businesses in Bangkok should review any
existing business continuity plans and ensure their staff are fully
briefed on the current situation. Consider alternative working
practices for employees in Bangkok.
1. Managers should review any existing evacuation plans to
ensure they remain updated and actionable. Any enhancements or
additions to plans or procedures should be appropriate to deal with
the threat and any associated disruption.
1. There is a credible risk of localised security incidents at
protest sites and during rallies. Avoid all large public gatherings
as a precautionary measure.
1. Do not be unduly alarmed by a heavy security force presence
in public areas. Comply with directives issued by the authorities;
carry personal identification documents to ease passage through any
checkpoints/spot-checks.
1. Those intending to travel to Thailand at this time should
ensure they contact the relevant International SOS Assistance
Centre prior to any travel to ensure they are fully updated on the
current situation and any necessary mitigation measures. Assistance
can also be provided with on-the-ground logistics, security support
and assistance with the development of evacuation plans.
1. Monitor our travel security alerts for further updates.
