Travelling To Thailand

Important Notice — Coronavirus cases remain high across the globe and in Thailand. Thai Health officials warn travelers of increased chances of spreading the virus due to travel within Thailand. Currently, Thailand is experiencing the third wave of infections recording a high number in red zones across the country each day. Many businesses have assigned their staff to work at home as advised by the Thai government. Please check with your local embassy for travel advisories before booking your flight.

The recent coup in Thailand may have put some fears into tourists, but we can assure you that there are twice as many safety measurements in place, at present, to keep the peace. So fear not, you can still visit Thailand, the land of luscious jungles, temples and pristine, white, sandy beaches and a peaceful Buddhist culture.

The 22nd of May 2014 saw the enforcement of martial law in Thailand in order to restore the government and country to its former peaceful state. Instating martial law means to suspend ordinary law. This was led by General Prayuth Chanocha, Commander of the Royal Thai Army (RTA), and has meant military control over the entirety of Thailand. In light of recent events travel plans will need adjusting according to the severity of control in all areas.

The military coup has meant the removal of Prime Minister Yingluck Sinawatre for alleged abuse of power, a nationwide curfew, banned political gatherings, the arresting and detention of politicians and anti-coup activists, and an imposed internet censorship. The general RTA consensus is that Thailand is going through a restoration which they claim is for the good of all the people of Thailand.

What this means for your travel plans:

Although there is a curfew in place in some regions of Thailand, in the popular tourist destinations of; Phuket, Koh Samui and Pattaya the 12-4am curfew has been lifted, meaning you can still enjoy the Thai nightlife, despite the unrest. The curfew ban applies in most areas, but if your flight is scheduled to arrive during the restricted hours then you can use airport transport which is exempt from this. The ban has been lifted in the three aforementioned beach resorts in order to restore faith in travellers and locals alike.

All other areas in Thailand have strict curfew bans that need to be adhered to by everyone. Breaking the enforced Thai “peace” can result in serious consequences but as of yet the military have avoided using violence. Thousands of soldiers were deployed around the Thailand capital of Bangkok, to try to prevent anti-coup protesters. It is wise to avoid Bangkok for the time being as there are constant alterations to the use of trains and road blockades in order to restore the peace.

The best airport to use outside of Bangkok is Phuket Airport from which you can get a cab, mini-bus or public bus to your destination. The taxi-fares are slightly more costly than other airports, and are around 400 baht ($13.18 AUD) to Phuket (30 minute journey) and 550 baht ($16.47 AUD) to Patong (40 minute journey). The only way to go directly to Koh Samui, which lies in the east coast, is to get a direct flight from Phuket Airport which is situated on the west coast. You can reach Pattaya by flying direct from Phuket to Utapao and getting a taxi. Other airports close to the three tourist destinations free from the curfew are; Samui Airport, (one of the best designed airports in the world), and U-Tapao International Airport (the closest to Pattaya) which can be reached by connecting flights within Thailand. These airport flight options make travel easier between the resorts and allow you to experience Thailand’s esteemed hospitality.

The curfew lift has been applied to the popular Fullmoon Festival in Koh Phangan. Each month 10,000 to 30,000 travellers gather under what is considered the most mesmerising moon in the world. The curfew lift now allows you to embrace this traditional celebration during your travels and feel safe in the knowledge that security has been tightened against the ongoing political dispute. The current military coup has also effected travel to Thailand. Flights would usually cost $1,200 – $1,400 AUD (₤700-₤800)+ but can now be found for less than $950 AUD (₤550). Through skyscanner you can book flights for $932.81 AUD (₤519) to Koh Samui/Samui Island or $805.20 AUD (₤448) to Phuket.

Tours and trips are still running in Thailand, so with slight location adjustments travelling during the coup is possible. Extreme Gap travel are running as normal, which means you can experience the tropical paradises of Thailand with great package deals. The Extreme Thailand Experience is available from $1777 AUD (₤989.59) and is a group backpacking tour where you can meet other likeminded travellers. Another great trip is Round The World Thailand And Australia for $3233 AUD (₤1800.41), which is a month long trip that gives you the opportunity to travel Thailand and then have an adventure up the East Coast of Australia. This package also offers job assistance in Oz as part of the deal for anyone who is interested in a working holiday.

You will see the RTA (Royal Thailand Army) in most areas from the moment you arrive at the airport. Don’t let the recent military coup deter you from travelling around Thailand, but do take caution when in the country. It is best advised that all travellers follow the enforced rules while they’re in Thailand and restrict themselves to visiting the three beach resorts that are ‘tourist-friendly’.

Travelling to Thailand some islands are experimenting and travel is possible.