Thailand joins 'no travel' list in new Foreign Office update as Iran war escalates
Foreign Office issues new alert this Wednesday
A new alert from the Foreign Office is now warning against travel to another popular destination with Brits, as areas of Thailand become the latest addition to a list of no-go countries as the US-Israeli war on Iran escalates. With the situation fast-moving, the Foreign Office, as previously reported, has been regularly updating its travel advice, with early alerts over Cyprus soon followed by warnings concerning a list of other countries.
Then more, including popular holiday spots, were added overnight. Latest advice sees Thailand now come under the no-travel list.
In a specific update on Wednesday, the Foreign Office 'advises against all but essential travel to parts of Thailand'. A map on the Government department's site highlights the main areas of concern, especially the southern stretch near the border with Malaysia as well as the border with Cambodia.
The map also shows a large area where people are advised to check Foreign Office advice before travelling. The department also shares security information for British nationals in Thailand amid the increasing disruption in the Middle East which, after the launch of Operation Epic Fury killing Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, has seen Tehran's retaliatory strikes and US-Israeli attacks escalate.
The areas the Foreign Office advises against travel are below. Its security and safety advice relating to Thailand can be found here.
Thailand's 'do not travel' areas
The Thailand-Malaysia border - the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border:
- Pattani Province
- Yala Province
- Narathiwat Province
- The districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province
It also also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces. It says this is due to regular attacks in the provinces by the border with Malaysia.
The Thailand-Cambodia border - the advice is against all but essential travel to within 20km of the land border with Cambodia. Find more information here.
Travel advice
The Middle East war is causing widespread travel disruption, including airspace closure and delayed and cancelled flights. The Foreign Office says travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East, and it advises British nationals to do the following:
- Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator before travelling
- Review your travel insurance policy for coverage before you travel
- Monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts
It adds that anyone impacted by travel disruption and needing to review their Thai Visa should follow the guidance published by the Thai Immigration Bureau. For details see here.