Holidaymakers heading to Thailand are being told to ‘stay aware’ while abroad. The Foreign Office is warning that terrorist attacks could take place in Thailand.
In an update on Tuesday (July 2), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it had made an ‘updated assessment that terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Thailand’. Brits should make sure they ‘stay safe’ while abroad.
The FCDO said: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
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“UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. “Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.”
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the following regions due to regular terrorist attacks:
- Pattani province
- Yala province
- Narathiwat province
- Southern Songkhla province – except the areas north of and including the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom; and the areas north-west of the train line which runs between Hat Yai and Padang Besar
- Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line – which was attacked in 2022
Martial law is in place in most areas, which means authorities have ‘greater security enforcement and investigative powers’, the FCDO said. But it said terrorist attacks ‘could take place anywhere in Thailand‘.
The FCDO said: “Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
“Targets might include security forces; government offices; hotels; shops and supermarkets; transport infrastructure.” In 2019, a number of small explosions in Bangkok Satun City and Phatthalung province, in the south of Thailand, took place.
There were also a series of small explosions on Samila beach, in Songkhla City, in 2018.