{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624895,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:35"}},"data":{"country-iso":"TH","advisory-state":1,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":1,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Thailand","url-slug":"thailand","friendly-date":"February 20, 2014 16:45 ","advisory-text":"Exercise a high degree of caution; see also regional advisories.","recent-updates":"The Advisories and Security tabs were updated - political tensions and demonstrations.","advisories":"
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Thailand. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to ongoing large-scale political demonstrations in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country. There have been multiple incidents of violence associated with these protests, which have resulted in injuries and fatalities, including in areas adjacent to popular tourist sites and commercial centres in Bangkok. The risk of further violence remains high. Consult the Security<\/a> tab for more details.<\/p>\n There is a risk of civil unrest, sporadic violence, and attacks throughout the country. Widespread flooding regularly occurs, and can leave travellers stranded for extended periods of time.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>","security":" The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.<\/p>\n Political instability in Thailand has created a volatile and unpredictable security environment, which has persisted throughout the country, particularly in the capital, Bangkok, since November 2013. National elections were held on February 2, 2014, but the final outcome may not be available for several months. Further rounds of elections and other associated political processes are ongoing and the unrest is expected to continue during this period. Large-scale political demonstrations and associated events such as rallies, processions and political gatherings have been taking place in several areas across Bangkok, as well as in other parts of the country, including Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Surat Thani. They have intensified since January 2014, and several incidents of violence have occurred.<\/p>\n Protesters have blocked key intersections in Bangkok, including those in proximity to the Embassy of Canada and to major tourist sites and commercial centres, causing major traffic disruptions. These blockages have the potential to limit access to various goods and services. Asok-Sukhumvit, Pathumwan, Lumpini, Ratchaprasong, Silom, and the Chaeng Wattana Government Complex have been identified as important demonstration sites and should therefore be avoided. Other areas of the city may also be affected. Certain government buildings may be closed, including the Chaeng Wattana Government Complex where visitor and resident visas are processed.<\/p>\n On February 14, authorities began dismantling key protest sites in Bangkok. This led to violent clashes in the streets between protesters and police. Firearms, hand-grenades and other weapons were used during confrontations, leading to multiple deaths and injuries.<\/p>\n Incidents of violence associated with demonstrations have resulted in deaths and injuries. Indiscriminate attacks using explosive devices and firearms have taken place in busy public areas during the day and at night. Clashes have also occurred between pro- and anti-government demonstrators. On occasion, police have responded with tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets in their attempts to deter protesters. Attacks do not specifically target tourists or foreigners, but the danger of being in the wrong place at the wrong time is always present. Avoid all protest sites and movements, political events and rallies, as well as large gatherings due to the high risk that they turn violent without warning.<\/p>\n The Thai Government has declared a state of emergency, effective until March 23, in all of Bangkok Capital district, Nonthaburi, Lad Lumkaew in Pathumthai, and Bang Phli in Samuprakan (Suvarnabhumi International Airport). This enables the government to impose curfews, ban political gatherings of more than five people, detain suspects without charge and restrict political demonstrations.<\/p>\n In 2010, similar demonstrations led to violent clashes, occasionally involving the use of explosive devices, and resulted in more than 90 deaths and several injuries. Demonstrations, civil unrest, sporadic violence and attacks remain an important risk anywhere in the country at any time.<\/p>\n Maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times. Carefully plan your movements throughout Bangkok, allowing for extra commuting time (including to the airport) and identify alternate routes in case of blockages. Avoid military installations and concentrations of security personnel. Follow the advice of local authorities and remain informed of current events by monitoring local media.<\/p>\n There have been frequent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia over a border dispute in this region, including exchanges of gunfire and artillery, which resulted in numerous fatalities and the evacuation of civilians. Martial law is in effect in the area and the presence of landmines has been reported. Tensions are high and military hostilities could further escalate without warning. Exercise a high degree of caution if you are travelling to all other areas of the Thai-Cambodian border.<\/p>\n Violence in the Muslim-majority southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Songkhla is highly unpredictable. Attacks against military and civilian targets occur almost daily, and include shootings, bombings, beheadings and arson. You risk becoming victim of an indiscriminate attack if you travel in the region. Deadly attacks occur frequently and are regularly directed at government and security buildings and personnel, but have also occurred in a variety of public places, including shopping districts, entertainment venues, public transit and hotels that may be frequented by tourists. Since January 2004, more than 4,700 people have been killed and many more injured, including foreigners. Be particularly vigilant when travelling to the border areas in the Thai provinces of Tak and Mae Hong Son due to banditry and occasional armed clashes on the Burmese side of the border, and between Thai security forces and armed criminal groups, such as drug traffickers. Incursions and shelling into Thailand have occurred. Border crossing points may be closed without notice.<\/p>\n There is a threat of terrorism throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times as the security situation could deteriorate without notice. Exercise caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship), outdoor recreation events and tourist areas frequented by foreigners.<\/p>\n On February 14, 2012, three explosions occurred in the area of Sukhumvit Soi 71, Bangkok. Reports indicate that five people were injured. In January 2012, following warnings of possible terrorist threats against tourist areas, particularly in Bangkok, Thai authorities increased security measures and made arrests and seizures in relation to an alleged terrorist plot.<\/p>\n Violent crime against foreigners occurs occasionally. Petty crime, such as purse snatching, pickpocketing and theft, is common. Do not leave bags unattended. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times, especially in tourist areas, crowded markets, and bus or train stations. Thieves sometimes use razors to slit open purses or bags to remove the contents. Use only reputable transportation companies. Thefts have been reported on the buses and vans that provide transport services throughout the country. Personal belongings, including passports, have been stolen from luggage compartments under buses, especially on long distance journeys. Break-ins occur at budget guesthouses, sometimes while guests are asleep in their rooms.<\/p>\n Be careful at night in entertainment areas throughout the country, particularly during Full Moon parties in Koh Phangan and similar events in other popular tourist locations. Robberies, injuries, drug abuse, arrests, assaults (including sexual assaults) and deaths related to these parties have been reported. Passport thefts and losses are extremely common at these parties and their replacement may cause significant travel delays.<\/p>\n Foreigners have been targeted in incidents of drink spiking, often combined with sexual assault or theft. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers, and pay attention when drinks are being prepared and served. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you have been drugged.<\/p>\n Exercise caution when travelling to the border areas with Burma (Myanmar). Occasional violence, banditry and clashes between government forces, rebel units, and drug traffickers have been reported. Consult the Thai Tourist Police, by calling 1155 toll-free, to determine if official border crossing points are open. Cross at designated border crossing points only, with the required travel documentation.<\/p>\n Sexual assaults against foreign women have occurred. Consult our publication entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide<\/a> for travel safety information specifically aimed at Canadian women.<\/p>\n Some media reports indicate that there have been recent cases of poisoning allegedly linked to the consumption of a Thai beverage containing DEET.<\/p>\n Traffic drives on the left. Paved roads connect major cities, but most have only two lanes. Motorcycle accidents kill or maim Canadians in Thailand each year. You should avoid driving or riding motorcycles in Thailand, even if you are an experienced motorcyclist. Substandard road conditions, local disregard for traffic laws, and drunk driving result in frequent accidents, particularly in the areas of Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui. Although motorcycles can easily be rented in Thailand, it is illegal to operate them without a valid Thai motorcycle licence or an international driving permit with a motorcycle endorsement. Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle drivers and passengers, but many do not meet international safety standards. Carry your identification card, driver’s licence and vehicle registration book at all times.<\/p>\n Private vehicle, minivan and bus accidents caused by dangerous road conditions, poor weather, driver fatigue, dangerous driving practices and driver intoxication are common. Canadians have been injured or killed in such accidents. Slow-moving trucks limit speed and visibility. Speeding and reckless passing are common. Avoid driving on mountain roads at night, especially during the rainy season (June-October).<\/p>\n When arriving by air, use licensed taxis from official taxi stands, limousine services or official airport buses, or arrange to be picked up by hotel shuttle services. Unlicensed vehicles (black and white licence plates) are not properly insured to carry passengers and may not use meters. Do not share a taxi with strangers. Disputes with operators of taxis, tuk tuks, etc., have occurred and have occasionally resulted in violence or intimidation. Seek the assistance of local police in settling the matter if this happens to you and you feel threatened.<\/p>\n There have been several incidents of passenger boats sinking due to overcrowding and poor maintenance. Vessels often lack adequate safety equipment. Rail lines in the far south have been the target of acts of sabotage and armed attack.<\/p>\n A number of train accidents have occurred in the past few years, some causing injuries and deaths.<\/p>\n Consult our Transportation Safety<\/a> page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n Canadians visiting Thailand regularly report having fallen victim to a variety of scams. Before renting a motorcycle or jet-ski, read all rental contracts thoroughly to ensure that the vehicle is insured to cover damage and theft. Only rent from reputable companies and never leave your passport as collateral. It has been reported that, upon return of the rental, claims of damage allegedly caused by the renter have been made. In some cases, renters who refused to pay were harassed and threatened, and their passports (left as collateral) were held. If your passport is inaccessible because of such a situation, you may be subject to investigation by Passport Canada<\/a> and may receive limited passport services. In other cases, particularly with jet-skis, accidents have been allegedly staged to create damage for which the rental company seeks compensation from the renter. In cases of motorcycle rentals, some companies have been known to steal the motorcycle and claim compensation from the renter for the loss.<\/p>\n When dealing with travel agencies, ensure that the company is a reputable tour organization before providing payment. Disputes may be reported to the Tourism Authority of Thailand<\/a> by calling 1672. Deaths have occurred as a result of contact with poisonous sea jellies. There have been reports of sea jellies off Koh Pha-ngan, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. Exercise extreme caution when swimming in these areas. If stung, seek immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n Riptides in coastal areas can be strong, including the popular destinations of Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Rayong and Cha-am\/Hua Hin. There have been a number of deaths due to drowning. Heed flag warnings and under no circumstances swim when a red flag is displayed.<\/p>\n Diving schools and rescue services may not adhere to international standards. Rent water sports equipment only from operators affiliated with major international training organizations.<\/p>\n Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report<\/a> published by the International Maritime Bureau.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Thai authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Royal Thai Embassy<\/a> or one of its consulates<\/a> for up-to-date information. More information is available at the Thai Immigration Bureau<\/a>.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> to visit Thailand, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country and must be in good condition.<\/p>\n Holders of regular Canadian passports arriving in Thailand for the purposes of tourism may stay for up to 30 days without a visa. Immigration officials can require visitors who are entering without obtaining a visa in advance to show return or onward tickets. Holders of Canadian special and diplomatic passports must obtain a visa at a Thai diplomatic mission abroad. Obtain the proper visa from a Thai embassy or consulate if you wish to stay longer, work or study. It is illegal to work on a tourist visa or without a work permit.<\/p>\n Foreigners are permitted to stay only up to the date indicated on the Thai entry stamp, regardless of the date indicated on a Thai visa. The Royal Thai Police have increased their random checks of foreigners and have arrested Canadians found to have overstayed their visas.<\/p>\n Travellers must obtain an entry stamp from an immigration officer at a point of entry into Thailand. Avoid visas, visa extensions or entry stamps issued through visa shops or travel agents in Thailand. Canadians have been arrested for having improper Thai visas or entry and exit stamps inserted into their passports. A passport that has been altered or that contains counterfeit visas and entry\/exit stamps is technically invalid. Offenders can expect jail sentences, fines, and\/or deportation, and may also be prohibited from entering Thailand in the future.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Not required for stays of up to 30 days All foreigners staying in Thailand longer than three months must notify the Thai Immigration Bureau<\/a> of their residence every 90 days.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tJapanese encephalitis<\/a> is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is low for most travellers. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to mosquito bites (e.g., spending time outdoors in rural areas) while travelling in regions with risk of Japanese encephalitis.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tTyphoid<\/a> is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>Regional Advisory for the Preah Vihear temple (Phra Viharn temple in Thai) area and surrounding border region<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\nForeign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel to the Thai-Cambodian border area in Surin and Sisaket provinces. This includes the Preah Vihear Temple area between Sisaket province in Thailand and Preah Vihear province in Cambodia. Consult the Security <\/span>tab<\/a> for more information.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>\nRegional Advisory for the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Songkhla<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\nForeign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel to and through the far southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Songkhla (including the city of Hat Yai). These provinces have been experiencing criminally and politically motivated violent incidents. Consult the Security<\/span><\/a> tab for more information.<\/span><\/div>\n
Political tensions and demonstrations<\/h3>\n
Preah Vihear temple area and surrounding border region (see Advisory<\/a><\/span>)<\/h3>\n
Southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Songkhla (see Advisory<\/a>)<\/h3>\n
Heavily enhanced security measures—including martial law in the provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala, as well as the Sadao district of Songkhla—are in place to provide authorities with increased enforcement powers that may be used to address ongoing violence in the region. These measures allow authorities to detain suspects without charge, conduct searches, seize objects or documents, and impose curfews.<\/p>\nBorder areas in the provinces of Tak and Mae Hong Son (border with Burma)<\/h3>\n
Terrorism<\/h3>\n
Crime<\/h3>\n
Women’s safety<\/h3>\n
General safety information<\/h3>\n
Transportation<\/h3>\n
Scams<\/h3>\n
In known scams involving gems and jewellery, merchants sell lower-quality items at inflated prices with promises that the items can be resold at a profit. The guarantees that merchants offer are not always honoured. Carefully consider all purchases if you are not knowledgeable about gems and jewellery. The Government of Canada cannot assist in obtaining refunds for purchases made. For further information, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand<\/a>.
Report all incidents of crime or scams to the Thai police in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred, and before leaving Thailand. Contact the Tourist Police and the Tourist Assistance Centre by calling 1155 toll-free.<\/p>\nSwimming and water sports<\/h3>\n
Piracy<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Visas and entry stamps<\/h3>\n
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required
Working visa: Required<\/p>\nStaying longer than three months<\/h3>\n
Children and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Japanese encephalitis<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Rabies<\/summary>
Typhoid<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>