Travel Advice for travel to Thailand (28 Sept 06)

THAILAND | Thursday, 28 September 2006 | Views [1326]

Thailand coup update

On the evening of 19 September, Thai military forces loyal to General Sonthi Boonyaratglin moved into the country’s capital, Bangkok, taking control of most government buildings, including Government House. The leaders of the coup, who have declared themselves loyal to Thai king Bhumibol Adulyadej, claim to have control of the entire country, with regional army commanders taking charge of areas outside the capital. Martial law has been declared and gatherings of more than five people have been banned. All political activity including the formation of new parties has also been banned. The military placed restrictions on what television stations may broadcast and is blocking broadcasts it deems harmful.

The coup was not entirely unexpected - in recent months Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been facing growing resistance to his leadership. He has faced an assassination attempt and increasing protests by opposition parties, with a major rally originally planned for 20 September. Dissatisfaction within the military has also grown, with Thaksin accused of removing military officers who oppose him and of influencing the appointment of senior officers. This would appear to have formed the foundation for the coup. His failure to address increasing violence in the predominantly Muslim southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Songkhla has also added to calls for his resignation.

Despite the apparent need for change the coup leaders have announced that they will only remain in power for two weeks, until a new prime minister is selected. They have also stated that it will take at least a year to draft a new constitution for the country to prepare adequately for fresh elections.

Impact on travellers to the country

Travellers have not been greatly affected. However, the situation remains tense and may change without notice. Immediately after the coup, Thailand's northern borders with Laos and Myanmar were officially closed. However, there have been indications that some crossings may still be operating. Travellers intending to cross these borders by land are advised to make alternative arrangements, as there is no certainty that these border crossings will be open. The northern areas of Thailand along these borders are also known as a strong support base for ousted prime minister Thaksin, and the new military leaders of the country may have an increased presence in these areas to prevent any attempts at a counter-coup.

International flights are still operating from Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang), though some airlines may cancel flights at their own discretion depending on how the situation develops. Bangkok’s new airport, Suvarnabhumi, is still scheduled to open on 28 September.

Tags: travel safety, thailand, coup

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