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1. RECENT UPDATES The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 2 (martial law) of this Travel Report has been updated. For information on flash floods and Avian Influenza, see our Current Issues page. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor reports of dengue fever transmission in Thailand. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
On September 19, 2006, the military ousted the civilian government in a coup d'état, and currently remains in power. A new constitution was approved in a public referendum and was granted Royal Assent on August 24, 2007. General elections are slated for December 23, 2007. Martial law is in effect in approximately one-third of the country. There is a heightened threat of terrorism throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Canadians are advised to exercise caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events), tourist areas frequented by foreigners, and on public transportation. Reports suggest that there is an ongoing terrorist threat in Thailand and attacks could occur at any time, anywhere, throughout the Kingdom. While we have no evidence to suggest that Canadians will be directly targeted, there is a risk of becoming an inadvertent victim of a terrorist attack. Regional Warning
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the border areas with OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the far southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla (including the city of Hat Yai), where almost daily attacks continue to occur including attacks with firearms, bombings, beheadings, arsons, and attacks with knives. There is no indication that the frequency of the attacks will decrease. On A curfew has been declared in Taha and Bannang Sata Districts of Yala province between In July 2005, the Thai government enacted a State of While we have received no reports that would suggest the timing, methodology or location of attacks in southern OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY It is the responsibility of individual travellers to make informed travel choices. The Government of Canada takes very seriously the safety and security of Canadians abroad and provides credible and timely advice in its Country Travel Reports. Situations vary from country to country, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Political unrest continues and demonstrations and protests are occurring in A series of bombs exploded in Petty crime, such as purse snatching, pickpocketing, and theft, are common. Bags should not be left unattended. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings are secure, especially in tourist areas, crowded markets, and bus or train stations. Thieves sometimes use razors to slit open purses or bags to remove the contents. There are reports of criminals causing confusion on crowded escalators to facilitate theft. Only use reputable transportation companies. Thefts have been reported on buses and vans travelling from Travellers should be particularly cautious during "Full Moon Parties" on Koh Pha-ngan. Ensure passports are secure. Never accept food or drinks from strangers and do not leave food or drinks unattended, particularly in bars. Cases of drugging followed by robbery and assault have occurred. Tourists have been approached by seemingly friendly strangers, often posing as fellow travellers, offering drugged food or drinks. Criminals sometimes use the drug scopolamine to incapacitate travellers in order to rob them. The drug is administered through drinks, food, aerosols, cigarettes, gum, or in powder form. The drug disorients the victim and can cause prolonged unconsciousness and serious medical problems. It takes effect extremely quickly and can take several days to wear off. Sexual assaults against foreign women have occurred. Female travellers should exercise caution at all times. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Travellers arriving by air should use licensed taxis from official taxi stands, limousine services, official airport buses, or arrange to be picked up by hotel shuttle services. Robberies and occasional violence have occurred when passengers engaged unlicensed taxi drivers away from official taxi stands. Do not share a taxi with strangers. Poisonous jellyfish off Hat Rin Riptides along the coast near Phuket are strong. There have been a number of drownings. Travellers should heed flag warnings and should under no circumstances swim when a red flag is displayed. Travellers who participate in water sports and scuba diving should be aware that diving schools and rescue services may not be consistent with international standards. Water sports equipment should be rented from operators affiliated to major international training organizations. Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships in Scams Numerous scams involving tourists occur. Specifically, foreigners have become targets for scams concerning gems. Merchants will sell lower-quality gems at inflated prices and while money-back guarantees are offered, they are not always honoured. Travellers should also be aware that invitations to join card games for money should be refused, as these games are often a ploy to rid tourists of their money. Moreover, with the exception of some horse-racing, Canadians should be aware that gambling is illegal in Canadians are reminded not to leave their passport as collateral when renting motorcycles. All rental contracts should be read thoroughly to ensure that the motorcycle is correctly insured to cover damages and theft. Canadians should only rent from reputable companies, as some companies have been known to "steal" the motorcycle and claim for loss. Travellers whose passports are inaccessible or stolen as a result of misuse may be subject to investigation by Passport Canada and may receive limited passport services. When dealing with travel agencies, foreigners should ensure the company is a reputable tour organization before providing payment. Victims of any scam should report the incident to the Tourist Police or contact the Tourist Assistance Centre by calling 1155 toll-free. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Thai authorities and was valid on March 13, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Royal Thai Embassy and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. More information is available at www.immigration.go.th A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Thailand. Most countries in Southeast Asia require passports to be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of entry to their country. While there is no minimum validity requirement for Canadian passport holders entering Thailand, travellers are reminded that the length of stay permitted can not extend beyond the date of expiry of their passport. An onward or return ticket is also required. Travellers may also experience significant inconvenience should they attempt to travel to a neighbouring country with the 6-month validity requirement. It is recommended that travellers verify the entry requirements for all destinations and transit points with the relevant diplomatic mission in Canada before departure. Canadian tourists travelling on a Canadian passport may enter Travellers must obtain an entry stamp from an immigration officer at a point of entry into Thailand. You must pass through the immigration checkpoint in person; it is illegal for someone else to do this on your behalf. Visas must be obtained from Thai embassies or consulates. Visas, visa extensions, or entry stamps issued through visa shops or travel agents in Thailand should be avoided. Canadians are regularly apprehended for having improper Thai visas or entry and exit stamps inserted into their passports. Moreover, a passport that has been altered or that contains counterfeit visas and entry/exit stamps is technically invalid. Offenders can expect jail sentences, fines, and/or deportation and may also be prohibited from entering Thailand in the future. It is illegal to work on a tourist visa. All foreigners staying in Overstaying your visa is considered an offence under Thai law. It will result in a fine of 500 baht per day and can also lead to detention and deportation. Foreigners are permitted to stay only up to the date indicated on the Thai entry stamp, regardless of the date indicated on a Thai visa. The Royal Thai Police have increased their random checks of foreigners, and Canadians found to have overstayed their visas have been arrested. Visa Exemption: Not required (for stays of up to 30 days) Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required Working Visa: Required All passengers over 2 years of age using airport facilities in Thailand will be required to pay an airport passenger fee ranging from 200 - 700 baht depending on the airport and whether the passenger is travelling to a domestic or international destination. Beginning February 1, 2007, these fees will be included in the ticket price for most passengers. However, some passengers may be required to pay the fee at the airport prior to departure. The current passenger fee for travellers departing Bangkok on an international flight is 700 baht. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses: Thailand - BANGKOK, Embassy of Canada Address: 15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama IV, Bangrak, Bangkok, Thailand 10500 Postal Address: P.O. Box 2090, Bangkok, 10501 Tel.: 66 (0) 2636-0540 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 001-800-156-220-0142 Fax: 66 (0) 2636-0555 E-Mail: bngkk@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.bangkok.gc.ca Thailand - CHIANG MAI, Consulate of Canada Address: 151 Super Highway, Tambon Tahsala, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50000 Tel.: 66 (0) 5385-0147 or 5324-2292 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 001-800-156-220-0142 Fax: 66 (0) 5385-0147 E-Mail: cancon@loxinfo.co.th For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Bangkok and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 001-800-156-220-0142. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Thailand have a treaty that permits a Canadian imprisoned in Thailand to request a transfer to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Thai authorities. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. Enforcement action against people involved in all aspect of illicit drugs has increased significantly. Canadians are reminded that Thai laws regarding illegal drugs are very strict and include the death penalty for serious offences. The possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs, including marijuana, can result in severe fines and/or prison sentences. Visitors should be aware that night-time police spot-checks to search for illegal drugs have become common in and around entertainment venues in Thailand. Uniformed or undercover police may search pockets, purses, and bags, as well as vehicles. You may be asked to consent to a urine test. If you carry prescription or other medicines, it is preferable that they be in clearly marked, original packaging. Foreigners are required to carry identification at all times. Great care should be taken if you carry your passport, especially in entertainment venues. You may wish to carry a photocopy of your passport; however, police may require that you produce the original. Gambling is illegal in Thailand and gambling-related scams are common. It is a criminal offence in Thailand to make any derogatory or insulting comments about the King or other members of the Royal family. Any person making such comments is liable to arrest and prosecution. Purposely tearing or destroying Thai bank notes, which carry an image of the King, may be considered such an offence. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY Effective All international flights now operate out of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), located approximately 30 km east of Bangkok. Domestic flights with 3 digit flight numbers and the airport code BKK also operate at Suvarnabhumi Airport, while those with 4 digit flight numbers and the airport code DMK operate to/from Don Mueang Airport. Travellers should allow a minimum of 3 hours connection time between airports. For additional information, maps, and transportation advice, please see: www.airportthai.co.th and www.bangkokairportonline.com. On Traffic drives on the left. Paved roads connect major cities, but most have only two lanes. Serious bus accidents caused by dangerous road conditions, poor weather, driver fatigue, and driver consumption of metaphetamines have occurred. Slow-moving trucks limit speed and visibility. Speeding and reckless passing is common. Motorists should avoid mountain roads at night, especially during the rainy season (July-October). Boats can be overcrowded and may lack adequate safety equipment. As a result, accidents resulting in fatalities have occasionally occurred. Driving or riding motorcycles in Thailand is dangerous and should be avoided, even by experienced motorcyclists. Substandard road conditions and local disregard for traffic laws result in frequent accidents that cause serious and even fatal injuries to foreigners, particularly in the resort areas of Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui. Although motorcycles can be easily rented in Thailand, Canadians are reminded that it is illegal to operate a motorcycle without a valid Thai motorcycle licence or an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement. Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle drivers and passengers, but many helmets do not meet international safety standards. Men are forbidden to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces. Motorcyclists are required to carry their identification card, driver's licence and vehicle registration book at all times. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The currency is the baht. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Traveller's cheques are accepted at banks, large hotels, and shops. U.S. dollar traveller's cheques are recommended. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from July to October. Severe rainstorms can cause flash floods and mudslides, interrupt essential services, and delay overland travel, especially in remote locations. Jungle treks are not advisable during this time of year, due to the possibility of mudslides. Trekkers should use licensed reliable tour guides. See our Current Issues page for information on typhoons and monsoons. BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. Cases of dengue fever have been reported in some areas of BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION In some areas of Thailand, proof of insurance may be required to obtain emergency medical care. Emergency evacuation may cost tens of thousands of dollars or more, depending on the location and severity of the condition. Medical care varies in quality across the country. Travellers in need of medical care are encouraged to go to Bangkok, where hospitals that meet international standards may be found. Rabies vaccination is recommended due to numerous stray dogs throughout Bangkok. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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