Travel Security Online

Thailand: Government announces 60-day state of emergency

Special Advisory - Thailand: Bangkok, surrounding provinces: Monitor developments after
government announces 60-day state of emergency from 22 January
The government has announced the imposition of a 60-day state of emergency from 22 January in the
capital Bangkok and parts of Nonthburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan provinces. The measure is
being imposed due to the indefinite shutdown' of Bangkok by anti-government activists who are calling
for, among other things, the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her Puea Thai
caretaker government and the cancellation of the 2 February general elections.
Travel Advice

Personnel travelling in or to Thailand, including Bangkok, should maintain heightened awareness

and monitor ongoing developments. For more information, please see our detailed report.

Organisations and businesses in Bangkok should review any existing business continuity plans
and ensure their staff are fully briefed on the current situation. Consider alternative working
practices for employees in Bangkok.

Managers should review any existing evacuation plans to ensure they remain updated and
actionable. Any enhancements or additions to plans or procedures should be appropriate to deal
with the threat and any associated disruption.

Those intending to travel to Thailand at this time should ensure they contact the relevant
International SOS Assistance Centre prior to any travel to ensure they are fully updated on the
current situation and any necessary mitigation measures. Assistance can also be provided with
on-the-ground logistics, security support and assistance with the development of evacuation
plans.

Monitor our travel security alerts for further updates.

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Special Advisory - Thailand: Bangkok, surrounding provinces: Monitor developments closely after
government announces 60-day state of emergency from 22 January (Revised 16.46 GMT)
The authorities will impose a 60-day state of emergency from 22 January in Bangkok and parts of
Nonthburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan provinces. Further details will be announced when it comes
into effect. The decree gives the authorities the power to ban public gatherings of more than five people,
impose curfews, restrict the movement of personnel in certain areas, and allows the military to play a
more prominent role in policing. However, the authorities have clarified that no such measures are
currently in place and no attempt will be made to forcibly disperse protesters. Access to and
operations at Suvarnabhumi International Airport ( BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport
(DMK) continue as normal. Travel to Thailand, including Bangkok, can continue, though personnel
should maintain heightened awareness and monitor developments closely.
The measure is being imposed following several incidents of violence during the ongoing indefinite
shutdown' of Bangkok by anti-government activists who are calling for, among other things, the

resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her Puea Thai caretaker government and the
cancellation of the 2 February general elections. Four people have been killed and more than 260 others
injured in grenade and gun attacks on protest sites and rallies since 26 December. Anti-government
protest leader Suthep Thuagsubun has stated the protests would continue as scheduled. For further
information see our detailed report on the shutdown' which began on 13 January.
Travel Briefing
While the state of emergency represents a change in policing tactics, it does not necessarily indicate an
imminent deterioration in the security situation. The authorities have stated that the measure is being
implemented to prevent further incidents of violence targeting anti-government activists or potential
clashes between pro and anti government activists. A heightened security force presence in Bangkok and
other affected areas; associated measures may include traffic restrictions, checkpoints and road closures
in the vicinity of important government buildings and protest sites, which could impede travel. Personnel
should comply with directives issued by the authorities and carry identification to ease passage through
any potential checkpoints. While the authorities are unlikely to use the full range of powers at their
disposal, the immediate impact remains unclear; organisations and businesses in Bangkok should review
any existing business continuity plans and ensure their staff are fully briefed on the current situation.
Travel Advice Summary

Travellers to Thailand, including Bangkok, should maintain heightened awareness and monitor
ongoing developments. For more information, please see our detailed report on the issue.

Organisations and businesses in Bangkok should review any existing business continuity plans
and ensure their staff are fully briefed on the current situation. Consider alternative working
practices for employees in Bangkok.

Managers should review any existing evacuation plans to ensure they remain updated and
actionable. Any enhancements or additions to plans or procedures should be appropriate to deal
with the threat and any associated disruption.

There is a credible risk of localised security incidents at protest sites and during rallies. Avoid all
large public gatherings as a precautionary measure.

Do not be unduly alarmed by a heavy security force presence in public areas. Comply with
directives issued by the authorities; carry personal identification documents to ease passage
through any checkpoints/spot-checks.

Those intending to travel to Thailand at this time should ensure they contact the relevant
International SOS Assistance Centre prior to any travel to ensure they are fully updated on the
current situation and any necessary mitigation measures. Assistance can also be provided with
on-the-ground logistics, security support and assistance with the development of evacuation
plans.

Monitor our travel security alerts for further updates.