Australians are advised not to travel to Bangkok (excluding Suvarnabhumi International Airport) due to the extreme risk of violence around military cordons and the possibility of widening violence. The Thai authorities have intensified military operations around a cordoned area in central Bangkok and heavy fighting is likely. There is a risk of violence breaking out elsewhere in Bangkok. Australians in Bangkok are advised to stay indoors, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities. Australians in Bangkok without essential business should consider departing if it is safe to do so.
At this stage there are no reports of civil disturbances affecting the operations of Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
DFAT advises intending passengers to reconsider their need to travel to Thailand due to the deterioration in the security environment caused by widening political unrest and civil disorder occurring in Bangkok and other parts of the country. Australians in Thailand should avoid any protest sites, demonstrations or military cordons and exercise extreme caution due to the strong possibility of further violence.
The Australian Embassy in Bangkok is still operational. However, due to ongoing violent clashes in central Bangkok, including in front of the Australian Embassy, the Embassy will be closed to visitors from Monday 17 May 2010 until further notice. Australians in need of urgent assistance should contact the Embassy by phone, or they can contact the 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra (see Where to Get Help for details).
By: Philip Thorniley
