The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla on the Thai-Malaysia border. See Terrorism

Following the official announcement of the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej there is now an official period of mourning of one year from 14 October 2016. You should respect the feelings and sensitivities of the Thai people at this time. Particularly during the first 30 days of the mourning period, some entertainment venues, including restaurants, bars, and clubs may be closed or operating on restricted hours. You should wear dark-coloured sombre and respectful clothing when in public and behave respectfully when in public areas. Check local media regularly and follow the advice of the local authorities.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has encouraged visitors to continue with their travel plans as normal, and has published more detailed recommendations about the mourning period.

The British Embassy, Bangkok is unable to provide advice on specific travel plans. If you have an enquiry about your flight status, contact your airline, travel company or the airport authorities, who will be able to give you the most up to date information. 

For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

There were multiple explosions and incidents in tourist areas across Thailand on 11, 12 and 14 August 2016. There remains an increased security presence in some tourist areas. You should exercise caution, particularly in public places, and follow the advice of local authorities. Further incidents are possible in these and other areas of Thailand.

There is a high threat from terrorism. There have been recent incidents in a number of locations including Bangkok, where a bomb explosion on 17 August 2015 resulted in numerous casualties including the death of a British national. You should follow the advice of the local authorities, monitor local media reports and remain vigilant. See Terrorism

British nationals make over one million visits to Thailand every year. Most visits are trouble-free, but there have been attacks (sometimes violent), particularly on the islands of Samui archipelago. Two British nationals were killed in September 2014 on the island of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. See Crime

The Tourist Authority of Thailand’s website and call centre (1672 – press ‘9’ for English) are able to provide some general advice to tourists in English.

Most road traffic accidents in Thailand involve motorcycles, but accidents involving other vehicles including cars, coaches and mini-buses also occur. See Road travel

There are numerous passenger boat services operating between the mainland and islands in Thailand. There have been some sinkings and collisions which have resulted in fatalities, including 2 British nationals. These incidents are usually due to overloading and/or poor maintenance but also due to rough seas, particularly during local monsoon season. See Sea travel

Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can include the death penalty. See Local laws and customs

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Recommendations regarding Mourning Period for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej