Situation Update: Curfew lifted in Pattaya, Phuket & Ko Samui

Issued at Bangkok at 17.30 hrs. (GMT+7) on 3 June 2014

Curfew has been lifted in three major tourist destinations including Pattaya, Ko Samui and Phuket as of today. The move demonstrates the commitment by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to promote tourism, which it identified as one of the key drivers for Thailand’s economic growth.

All other Thai destinations remain under a daily curfew (00.01-04.00 hrs.), but given the hours when most travellers are normally in the comfort of their accommodation, this has hardly stopped any visitors to Thailand from enjoying their days in the sun and taking in the sights of the kingdom's temples, mountains and beaches.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) wants to assure all tourists visiting the kingdom that tourism remains unaffected since the country was placed under the administration of the NCPO on 22 May 2014.

The TAT also wants to thank and show its heartfelt appreciation for everyone who has taken to social media sites to tell the world that, despite the widely reported and often sensationalised political situation here in the kingdom, it has been “business as usual” at all major tourist destinations.

Transport

All airports throughout Thailand, including at key international gateways - Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang), Phuket, Ko Samui, Hat Yai and Chiang Mai - are operating as per normal.

Airlines also continue to operate incoming and outgoing flights as per normal, but flight times may be adjusted. Travellers are advised to check with their respective airlines before travelling.

Other modes of transport, by road, rail and waterway, are also operating as per normal throughout Thailand.

Tourism-related businesses and services

As stated above, all tourism-related businesses and services (hotels, resorts, spas, restaurants, entertainment venues, cinemas, convention centres, shopping malls, superstores, convenient stores, as well as banks, petrol and gas stations) throughout Thailand are open and operating as per normal. Telephone and internet services continue to be available 24 hours.

In Bangkok, a sense of normality has returned to all areas and while there is a limited military presence on certain streets it is hardly visible.

In Phuket, Ko Samui and Pattaya, where the curfew has been lifted, all tourist businesses and services especially nighttime entertainment venues are expected to resume their normal operating hours as of tonight. By law, bars should be closed at 01.00 hrs. and discos at 02.00 hrs.

In other popular tourist destinations including Hua Hin, Khao Lak (Phang-nga) and Krabi, all tourism-related businesses and services are operating as per normal. There is hardly any military presence in these major beach destinations.

Info for international visitors entering Bangkok during curfew

The following measures are prepared for travellers travelling to Bangkok and the immediate vicinity:

• Individual travellers – both tourists and foreign residents - are advised to keep their passports and other travel documents handy at all times, in case they are required for inspection by security officers.
• Group travellers on tour coaches, accompanied by a tour guide or tour leader, are allowed to pass through the checkpoints without any worry.
• Taxi services at Suvarnabhumi Airport are available 24 hours at the Platform of the Passenger Terminal on the 1st Floor, Gates 4 and 7.  There are 6,000 – 7,000 authorised taxis with Suvarnabhumi Airport stickers displayed on the front windscreen. Security checkpoint officers will allow access for these vehicles.
• Any passenger who cannot find a mean of transport out of Suvarnabhumi Airport during curfew may use the facilities available at the CIP Lounges, located on the 3rd floor of the Passenger Terminal.
• The shuttle bus service between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports are operating as per normal.
• For more information, contact Survarnabhumi Airport Call Centre Tel: 1722.

Visa and checkpoints

Tourists can continue to apply for visa as usual.

All international checkpoints – airports, border checkpoints and sea ports – are open and operating as per normal. However, there may be a strong security presence at certain border checkpoints.

Tourist hotlines

Tourists visiting Thailand can contact the following numbers for further information and assistance:

TAT Call Centre 1672

Tourist Police Call Centre 1155

Traffic Police Call Centre 1197

BMTA (city bus and van service) Call Centre 1348

BTS Hotline +66 (0) 2617 6000

MRT Customer Relations Center +66 (0) 2624 5200

SRT (train service) Call Centre 1690

Transport Co., Ltd., (inter-provincial bus service) Call Centre 1490

AOT (Suvarnabhumi Airport) Call Centre 1722

Thai Airways International Call Centre +66 (0) 2356 1111

Bangkok Airways Call Centre 1771

Nok Air Call Centre 1318

Thai AirAsia Call Centre +66 (0) 2515 9999