Security status
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, we advise you to exercise extreme caution.
Travel alert
On 22 May 2014, following months of political protests, the Thai army announced that the military was taking over the government. There is an increased military presence in Bangkok and the surrounding areas. Martial law had been declared two days previously. This enables the military to take action it considers necessary to enforce law and order. Instructions may change rapidly.
Irish citizens in Thailand should exercise extreme caution, monitor developments via media and social media, and follow the instructions of the authorities. Irish citizens should take extra care to care to avoid any demonstrations, protests or security operations. It is illegal to criticise the coup and you should be wary about making political statements in public. There have been some demonstrations against the army's actions and there is a risk these could turn violent. Stay alert to the situation, and if you feel your safety is at risk, stay in your ACCOMMODATION.
Before travelling to Thailand, we strongly recommend that you check with your travel insurance provider that they continue to cover for claims arising from the current situation, as some policies exclude cover during a coup or when martial law has been invoked.
A curfew which was imposed on 22 May has now been lifted in all parts of the country since 13 June.
The army has said it will act to assure the safety of foreigners in Thailand.
By law, foreigners must carry their passports at all times in Thailand.
‘Visa Runs’
The Thai authorities have announced their intention to clamp down on ‘visa runs’, the practise whereby foreigners use the visa exemption scheme aimed at tourists to illegally live or work in Thailand. The Thai authorities have announced that from 12 August 2014 they will prevent ‘visa runners’ from entering Thailand. If you wish to enter Thailand for reasons other than tourism, we advise you to obtain the appropriate visa prior to your arrival.
The Thai authorities have also announced new penalties for those who overstay their visas. If you overstay your visa you may be banned from entering Thailand for a number of years.
Large-scale political protests have been taking place in Bangkok since November 2013. A number of large-scale political demonstrations have taken place in Bangkok since the beginning of November 2013. Some of these have been violent and have involved indiscriminate attacks with weapons and explosive devices. There have been injuries and deaths. Even peaceful protests can quickly turn violent. You should take extra care and avoid all protest sites, political gatherings, demonstrations and marches.
We recommend against all travel to Preah Vihear, Ta Kwai and Ta Muen temples near the Thai/Cambodian border. We also advise against all travel to or through the Southern Thai Provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla due to ongoing instability and terrorist activity in this region. The Australian authorities report extremists may be planning to target westerners in the southern border provinces. You should also take particular care when travelling near or across Thailand’s border with Burma (Myanmar).
If you are planning to rent a scooter or motorcycle while in Thailand, we advise you to exercise extreme caution. In the past few years there have been numerous accidents involving motorcycles and scooters in which Irish citizens have been seriously injured or lost their lives.
Register with us
If you’re visiting or planning to stay in Thailand, you should register your details with us so we can find you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or if you have a family emergency while you’re abroad. And, if necessary, we can offer help to you and your family.
Our advice
We suggest you learn as much as you can about Thailand before your trip.
We also recommend reading our Know Before You Go travel guide for practical tips on travelling abroad.
Emergency assistance
The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or HOTEL management.
Contact the Embassy
Because there is no Irish Embassy in Thailand, we’re limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Honorary Consuls (one in Bangkok and one in Phuket) or the Irish Embassy in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
If you phone outside of working hours, leave us a message giving:
Your name
The nature of your problem
Where you are now
Your contact details (mobile phone number or phone number of where you’re staying)
We regularly monitor these messages and one of our staff members will be in contact with you.
How we can help you
We have a lot of experience helping Irish citizens who run into problems when they’re abroad. Learn more about the kind of emergency assistance we can offer you.