Thailand State of Emergency

Canadian Embassy in Bangkok kindly emailed me this message overnight:

Dear Canadian Citizens,

Please note that the following information was included in the Official Travel Report for Thailand issued by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada on November 26, 2008. It is important to note that this information will be updated regularly as the situation warrants and Canadians are encouraged to frequently consult the Travel Report at: http://www.voyage.gc.ca

As of November 27, 2008, a State of Emergency has been imposed at the Suvarnanhumi International Airport and the Don Meuang International Airport in Bangkok. Due to demonstrations, all commercial flights to and from Bangkok have been suspended and both airports are currently closed. The duration of these closures is unknown.

Significant political unrest and demonstrations continue. The security situation is unstable and could further deteriorate without warning and, as such, Canadians should consider carefully their travel plans. There have been casualties resulting from attacks with explosive devices in various locations within the city. On November 25, 2008, shots were fired near the Don Mueang Airport. Violent clashes between police and protestors and between rival protesting factions have occurred, resulting in fatalities and hundreds of injuries. Anti-riot measures, including tear gas, have been employed. Canadians that must travel in Bangkok are strongly advised to stay well away from locations where protests have been and are currently ongoing, including, but not limited to, Government House, Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Parliament, Metropolitan Police Bureau, and Supreme Command. Canadians who must travel in Bangkok should exercise caution, avoid any areas affected by demonstrations, follow advice of local authorities, and monitor local media.

Canadians who must travel are strongly encouraged to verify all travel schedules and services with local authorities or travel service providers and monitor local media to assess the security situation prior to departure. Information regarding the status of flights and airport services at Suvarnabhumi International Airport can be obtained from the call center at +66... or from airline offices. Information concerning Don Mueang International Airport can be obtained at +66 (0) .... Travellers may encounter additional security measures, such as road checkpoints, and should exercise patience and plan accordingly."

Canadians are encouraged to ensure that their registration information, including contact details are up to date. Please contact bngkk-cs@international.gc.ca or call 0 2636-0540 to report any registration changes. For more information, please consult the Registration of Canadians Abroad webpage at http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/before/faq/registration-en.asp. If you are aware of any Canadians in Thailand who may not be registered, please share this information with them.


MY NOTE TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Phuket is perfectly safe. If you didn't read the news, by observing daily life here you might just be hoodwinked into thinking that things were perfectly normal. Local people here are carrying on as usual; anyone politically active has hopped on a bus to Bangkok.

I think Phuket will remain peaceful. And I dearly hope the situation in Bangkok gets sorted out without further bloodshed, though this hope is fading...