Talking Points: Thailand (August 12, 2016)
Talking Points – Thailand
Copyright © 2016 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.
The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients who have
questions about travel to Thailand based on the recent bombings. (Updated August 8, 2016)
1. While multiple bomb blasts have occurred throughout Thailand, including in popular
tourist areas, it’s important to note that the U.S. State Department has not issued a Travel
Warning or any other advisory against traveling to Thailand at this time.
2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.
3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel
plans.
Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further
illustrate each talking point.
1. While multiple bomb blasts have occurred throughout Thailand, including in popular
tourist areas, it’s important to note that the U.S. State Department has not issued a Travel
Warning or any other advisory against traveling to Thailand at this time.
Multiple bombings occurred throughout Thailand on August 11 and August 12, 2016,
including in popular tourist areas such as Phuket and Hua Hin; the latter is
approximately 120 miles southwest of Bangkok.
o The Sydney Morning Herald reports that “Four people were killed and dozens
injured in coordinated attacks in tourist areas in four cities, including Phuket” and
that “Thailand’s military government has urged Thais and foreigners not to panic
after a wave of bomb blasts across the country.”
o According to the BBC, “Four bombs exploded in the resort town of Hua Hin, while
several blasts hit the island of Phuket, a top tourist destination, all within a 24-
hour period on Thursday and Friday. No group has said it carried out the attacks,
but suspicion is likely to fall on separatist insurgents.”
o In all, at least nine attacks – and perhaps as many as 11 – were strung out
across five provinces and The Wall Street Journal reports that “police ruled out
international terrorism and described the attacks as ‘local sabotage in a limited
area,’ Police Maj. Gen. Piyapan Pingmuang, deputy spokesman for the national
police, said. ‘It’s an internal affair,’ he added.”
o According to Reuters, “Thai authorities beefed up security at tourism spots,
airports and on public transport in Bangkok, while Thai junta chief and Prime
Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha expressed frustration about the motives for the
attacks.”
Currently, there is no Travel Warning or Travel Alert from the U.S. State Department in
effect for Thailand. However, the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has issued a Security
Message for U.S. citizens that says, in part:
o “Since late on August 11, multiple bombing incidents have occurred in parts of
Thailand, including in Hua Hin, Phang Nga, Trang, Surat Thani, and Phuket. The
latest incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. today, August 12. Thai local
law enforcement and media are reporting at least four deaths and 37 injuries. No
U.S. citizens have been identified among the victims.
o “Royal Thai Police have indicated that the immediate areas near the incidents will
remain closed for investigation. Law enforcement presence throughout Thailand
is expected to be enhanced until further notice. U.S. citizens should avoid
affected areas; remain aware of surroundings, including local events; and
monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance, take
appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, and follow instructions of
local authorities.”
o “We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Thailand
enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at
www.Travel.State.Gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates,
and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact
you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.”
Currently, there are no nationwide warnings from the United Kingdom’s Foreign and
Commonwealth Office advising against travel to Thailand. However, the FCO states
“there is a high threat from terrorism.”
o “There have been multiple explosions and incidents in tourist areas across
Thailand on 11 and 12 August 2016. There’s an increased security presence in
cities, tourist areas and transport hubs – airports are currently operating as
normal. There are restrictions and checks on local travel, including on the road
between Bangkok and Hua Hin.”
o “The FCO and the British Embassy are in close contact with local authorities.
You should exercise caution, especially in public places, and follow the advice of
the local authorities. If you’re currently in Thailand, contact family and friends to
let them know you’re safe.”
o “Bomb and grenade attacks have been indiscriminate, including in places visited
by expatriates and foreign travellers. There have been attacks in the past in the
main cities of Thailand, including in Bangkok in 2015 and 2012, in Koh Samui in
2015, and in Chiang Mai in 2010.”
Currently, there is no nationwide advisory in effect for Thailand from the Government of
Canada. However, Canada continues to urge travelers to “exercise a high degree of
caution”:
o “On August 11 and 12, 2016, several bomb explosions in various tourist areas in
southern Thailand, including in Hua Hin and Phuket, resulted in casualties. Avoid
public places in the vicinity of affected areas, monitor local media and follow the
advice of local authorities.”
o “There is a threat of terrorism in Thailand. Targets could include government
buildings, places of worship, schools, transportation hubs and public areas such
as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets,
hotels and sites frequented by foreigners.”
o “Political instability in Thailand has created a volatile and unpredictable security
environment that has persisted throughout the country …”
o “Martial law was lifted on April 1, 2015, in most parts of Thailand, but other legal
provisions allow the military to retain and exercise sweeping powers that include
the right to prevent public gatherings, censor media, impose curfews, set up
checkpoints, restrict movement, search for weapons and exercise force in
response to violence. Such measures could be enforced at any time.”
2. Safety is our top priority for our clients, and the safety and well-being of guests is also
the highest priority of our travel partners.
We are closely monitoring the U.S. Department of State for travel alerts for all
destinations. Additionally we will monitor the website for the U.S. Embassy in
Bangkok for any further messages for U.S. travelers.
We make certain to work with a select group of travel partners who take the
safety and security of our clients as seriously as we do.
We recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and
register their travel plans at https://travelregistration.state.gov. This will help the
State Department contact travelers if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or
in the event an emergency transpires in the place where the individual is
traveling.
According to the U.S. State Department: U.S. citizens should keep their travel
documents up to date and maintain sufficient funds on hand to depart by air
should security conditions change.
U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to
carry identification and, if moving about alone, a cell phone or other means of
communication that works in Thailand.
Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates can be found at
http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by
calling 888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers
outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 202-501-4444.
3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their
travel plans.
We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts as well
as the more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are
most popular with our clients.
Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients
who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they
still wish to travel.
Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a
client is currently located, we try to immediately contact the client to check on
their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel
arrangements.