Security briefing Thailand

Transcription

1 Security briefing Thailand

2 Risk assessment Thailand: increased Demonstrations,civil unrest Terrorism, armed conflict Medical risk Criminal risk Scale of the risk classification: Extreme risk High risk Increased risk Low risk 2

3 Risk Overview: Inner political Situation:After an inner political conflict in May 2014 between the government and the opposition, which went on for months and had been overshadowed by violent clashes between supporters of both political camps, the Thai military overthrew the government. The military took over the government on May 22, On August 25, 2014, the army chief Prayuth was elected as interim president. Martial law is still in place (e.g. with limited freedom of assembly). Parliamentary elections are to be held by autumn Until then, the interim government is assigned to enact political reforms and to draft a new constitution. Security measures were stepped up, particularly in Bangkok. However, everyday life goes on as normal in the capital and in other parts of the country. There have been occasional demonstrations, which were dispersed by the military. The further developments cannot be foreseen, a violent reaction from the population to the military coup cannot be ruled out. Demonstration / Unrest:Currently, there is a ban on assembly in place. Demonstrations and large gatherings should be avoided in Bangkok, but also in other parts of the country, in order to prevent being considered a protester and to avoid being detained 3

4 Security Situation: Armed Conflict:The security situation in the four southern Thai provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Songkhla is unstable due the armed conflict between Islamist-separatist groups and the Thai government. Terrorism:Islamist-separatist groups regularly carry out terrorist attacks against security forces, religious sites (Buddhist temples) and also against targets frequented by foreigners (hotels and squares in the cities) in the four aforementioned southern provinces. Natural hazards:during the rainy season (May to October), heavy and often long-lasting floods regularly occur in Thailand. Disruptions to traffic and infrastructure have to be anticipated following the floods. Natural Hazards:There is a high tsunami risk. Other Special Risks:The importation or possession of drugs (including "soft" drugs) are punished with long prison sentences, even when only small amounts are involved. The death penalty is also being imposed in Thailand 4

5 Security Situation: The public long-distance transport system in Thailand is relatively well developed with some regional differences. Main means of transport are railways and long-distance/ intercity buses. Larger cities are connected with each other through the public transport system. Public transport can only be partially used during the day and at night, preferably in the»first Class«. For long distances, only long-distance/intercity buses from premium service providers are recommended. Bangkok has three long-distance bus stations from where most buses depart. Comfortable "tour" or "VIP" buses run to important (tourist) destinations. Tickets should be bought in advance, and travelers should reserve a window seat in the middle of the bus, since these seats offer better protection against head-on and rear-end collisions 5

6 Security Situation: Thailand has only has a (very) limited local and regional public transport network. Road-bound means of transport should never be used by foreign travelers and business travelers. Trains can be used during the day when traveling first class. Instead, travelers should arrange the transport with radio taxis or hire a(n all-terrain) car with a driver (who is reliable, trained and familiar with the area) in advance. The public transport network in Bangkok consists of buses of different classes, (motorcycle) taxis, tuk-tuks and a metro. Air-conditioned micro buses (without standing room) are an alternative, they serve tourist spots and areas which could be of interest for business travelers. The metro (MRT) is the fastest way to travel in the capital and connected with the modern electrical skytrain at three stations, where people can change. The Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link" connects the Suvarnabhumi airport with the city centre. 6

7 Taxi: Licensed taxis are available only in larger cities. Taxis should only be used during the day and only if there is no other alternative (and if possible, not unaccompanied, and never together with strangers). Licensed taxis should only be used at official, specially designated taxi stands; if that is not possible, they should only be ordered by phone or via the hotel (or at the official counter at the airport terminal). Since most taxi drivers do not speak any foreign languages, it is recommended to write down the address of the destination (in the local language) or to carry along a business card with the address of the hotel or destination (company). Licensed taxis can be recognized by the car rooftop sign saying "TAXI METER". Travelers should refrain from using tuk-tuks" (three-wheeled motorickshaws) due to safety reasons. Taxis can be ordered with the free smartphone app Easy Taxi in various cities (e.g. in Bangkok) 7

8 Earthquakes: There is an elevated earthquake risk in Thailand. Strong earthquakes occur in Thailand, which may have the following effects: Earthquakes can even be noticed in moving vehicles, it is difficult to stand. Furniture may be possibly damaged, loose bricks can fall down. Buildings with construction flaws will be heavily damaged, normal buildings will have small or medium damage. The damage is negligible with well constructed buildings. Strong earthquakes, which lead to severe damage, have occurred in the past and may also occur in the future. Disruptions to traffic and infrastructure have to be anticipated following earthquakes. 8

9 Suggested measures: Earthquake: When indoors:travelers should only leave the building if they are near an exit on the ground floor. Otherwise, it is advised to take shelter under a solid table, doorframe or at a weight-bearing interior wall, away from external walls. Doors should be opened, so that emergency escape routes are not blocked. When outdoors:travelers should immediately move to the open keeping enough distance to buildings, power lines and telephone lines, overpasses, underpasses and loose slopes. Drivers should immediately stop at a safe distance from these areas and remain in their vehicles. Driving across potentially damaged bridges or through underpasses should be avoided after earthquakes. Travelers should not carry on with their journey after a strong earthquake. Travelers should strictly follow the instructions of authorities after an earthquake. Aftershocks, which could further damage buildings and infrastructure, are to be expected. 9

10 Tsunami: There is a high risk of tsunamis in Thailand, particularly at the cost of the Indian Ocean. There have been several destructive tsunamis in the past. Caution:A potential tsunami can hit the coast multiple times, even hours after an earthquake. Tsunami Warning Signs:Noticeable earthquakes, unusual and sudden rise or fall in sea level, local media warnings (sirens, light signals, radio, TV, text messages). Suggested measures: Tsunami: Travelers should inform themselves about emergency escape routes after arriving at coastal areas. If a tsunami warning has been issued, travelers should immediately leave the coastline. Travelers should move inland and/or to higher ground (e.g. hills or mountains). River mouths should be avoided. It is advised to always follow warnings and instructions of the local authorities. Higher ground should only be left after an official all-clear signal. 10

11 Strikes and unrest: General information: There is a low risk of private or public sector strikes affecting travel. Strikes and protests are occasionally affecting traffic and public life. The aviation sector (air traffic controllers, ground staff, flight attendants, pilots) is occasionally affected by strikes. Suggested measures: Travelers should inquire about announced strikes and the current flight status ahead of their journey (A3M, tour operator, local media). If public transport strikes are ongoing or have been announced for the time of the travel, disruptions to local and long distance travel are to be anticipated. Thus there will likely be an increased traffic volume and traffic jams. Travelers should schedule enough time for their travel plans (journey to and from the airport). 11

12 Demonstrations and social unrest: In Thailand, there is a high risk that the trip will be affected by demonstrations and/or social unrest. Currently, there is a ban on assembly in place. Demonstrations and large gatherings should be avoided in Bangkok, but also in other parts of the country, in order to prevent being considered a protester and to avoid being detained. Protests, demonstrations and social unrest, which may last for several days, regularly occur In Thailand, particularly in Bangkok. They are sparked by significant political and symbolical events and/or by social injustice and controversial sociopolitical decisions. Long-lasting demonstrations of different political or social groups regularly occur in the inner city of Bangkok. Violent clashes, which may involve armed force (guns, small-scale explosives), occasionally occur during the demonstrations, as seen at the anti-government demonstrations in 2013/14. Road blocks by protesters and heightened security measures occasionally entail lockdowns of entire districts and traffic obstructions. During the clashes, radical groups may carry out attacks against public and private facilities (e.g. governmental facilities). 12

13 Suggested measures: Travelers are advised to inform themselves about announced demonstrations and large events ahead of their journey. Travelers should avoid demonstrations, large gatherings and deployments of security forces, particularly near trouble spots and around events of symbolic importance (e.g. public holidays and anniversaries). Trouble spots which are particularly at risk are: main squares, governmental institutions and military facilities (in Bangkok: e.g. the Government House, Lumpini Park, Rachadamnoen Avenue). Generally, travelers should not take pictures of demonstrations and security forces, as well as of security-or governmental institutions. This includes airports, bridges, military facilities, official residences and embassies. In case of ongoing demonstrations/large events or if demonstrations/large events have been announced, heightened security measures and traffic disruptions are to be anticipated. 13

14 Terrorist threat: Generally, there is a heightened terrorist threat In Thailand (e.g. also in Bangkok and in Chiang Mai) mainly due to the unresolved conflict in the south. There is a high terrorist threat in the four southern provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Songkhla. Islamist-separatist groups regularly carry out terrorist attacks against security forces, religious sites (Buddhist temples) and also against targets frequented by foreigners (hotels and squares in the cities) in the four aforementioned southern provinces. Travelers should exercise caution nationwide, particularly near places at risk for terrorist attacks and around events of symbolic importance (e.g. public holidays and anniversaries). Due to the latent terrorist threat, places at risk for terrorist attacks should be avoided when traveling to four aforementioned southern provinces. This particularly applies to the time around events of symbolic importance (e.g. public holidays and anniversaries). Places at risk for terrorist attacks: governmental institutions, ministries, facilities of the military and police, traffic infrastructure (airports, railway stations, bus stations, public transport), buildings belonging to foreign and domestic media companies, religious institutions, shopping centers and other markets, popular tourist spots, main squares and events as well as all facilities which extremists may view as un-islamic or westernized, such as hotels, (fast-food) restaurants, bars, cinemas. 14

15 We advise to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand due to the threat of terrorist attack, including Bangkok and Phuket. We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including locations frequented by tourists and foreigners. Thai authorities have on a number of occasions warned of the possibility of bombings in Thailand to coincide with symbolic dates or holidays. There have been a number of improvised explosive device (IED) incidents in Bangkok and other major cities in recent years. In addition, on 22 December 2013, a vehicle containing explosives was discovered in Phuket Town. On 26 May 2013, an IED detonated in Ramkhamhaeng Soi 43/1 in eastern Bangkok, injuring seven people. A small blast occurred in a rubbish bin in Phuket Town on 1 August On 28 October 2014, an unexploded grenade was found on a beach in Phuket. These incidents are still under investigation. In planning your activities, consider the kinds of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. These include places frequented by foreigners such as embassies, shopping malls, markets, banks, clubs, hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events, beach resorts and tourist areas. Public buildings, public transport, airports and sea ports are also potential targets for attack. 15

16 Southern provinces -Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla: It is strongly advised not to travel at this time to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, or overland to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces due to high levels of ongoing violence in these regions. This includes travel by train or road between Thailand and Malaysia. In recent years almost daily attacks have taken place in these areas, many of which have caused deaths and serious injuries. Bombings and shootings are commonplace in these areas. Arson and beheadings have occurred. The Thai Government has warned tourists not to travel to these areas. Tourists in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces may be caught up in violence or terrorist attacks directed at others. Attacks have occurred in locations frequented by the public. Targets have included government officials, civilians, religious and community leaders, members of the security forces, teachers, tourist hotels, bars, banks, ATMs, cinemas, entertainment venues, shops, convenience stores, markets, supermarkets, schools, places of worship, petrol stations and transport infrastructure including Hat Yai international airport and trains. Further such incidents could occur at any time. 16

17 Southern provinces -Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla: It is strongly advised not to travel at this time to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, or overland to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces due to high levels of ongoing violence in these regions. 17

18 Recent examples of attacks: On 8 March 2015, eight people were injured in a bomb attack outside a railway station in Narathiwat province. On 31 January 2015, two people were killed in a shooting in Yala province. On 29 December 2014, two people were killed in a shooting attack in Songkhla province, On 13 November 2014, one person was killed and a child injured in an armed attack in a residential area of Yala province. On 31 October 2014, one person was killed and two injured in bomb attacks on bars in Pattani province. On 24 July 2014, two people were killed and more than 50 injured in two bombings in Betong City, Yala province. On 19 September 2014, a person was killed in a shooting while exiting a mosque in Pattani province. 18

19 Armed conflict: There is a high threat from the armed conflict between Islamist-separatist groups and the Thai government in the four southern Thai provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Songkhla. Several thousand people, including uninvolved civilians, have been killed by occasional terrorist attacks and armed clashes in the past years. Emergency law is imposed in the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and in parts of Songkhla (Sadao district). There is an elevated risk of an unresolved border conflict to resurge in the border area between Thailand and Cambodia, particularly in the Preah Vihear temple complex area (but also near Ta Moan and Ta Krabey, in the Phanom Dong Rak district). The security situation in the border area with Myanmar can temporarily escalate due to a conflict between the Burmese central government and separatist groups. Furthermore, armed clashes between Thai security forces and armed drug smugglers occasionally occur (also see category "crime"). There may be temporary border traffic obstructions (closure of borders) between Thailand and its neighbouring countries in case of an escalation of the security situation in one of neighbouring countries. 19

20 Crime situation: There is a comparatively low crime rate In Thailand. Street crime (scams, pickpocketing, muggings) occurs in larger cities and tourist centers (e.g. in Surat Thani province (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao), in the provinces of Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai, in Pattaya), but also cases of sexual crimes and armed robberies have increased. Attacks/armed robberies by armed groups occur in the border areas with Cambodia and Myanmar, particularly outside of the cities. Organized gangs and security forces are cooperating in the popular tourist destinations. Tourists are falsely accused of offenses in order to blackmail cash. Taxi-and tuk-tuk drivers are often involved in these incidents. Continuing reports are received of the sexual assault, food and drink spiking, assault and robbery of foreigners, including around popular backpacker and tourist destinations such as Khao San Road in Bangkok, the night-time entertainment zones in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket, and during Full Moon and other parties on Koh Phangan. 20

21 Beach parties: The Full Moon and other parties at Koh Phangan and in other locations regularly result in reports of sexual assaults, deaths, arrests, robbery, injuries and lost travel documents. In September 2014, two foreign travelers were murdered on a beach in Koh Tao. Travelers should avoid local and homemade cocktails which may be made with narcotic or poisonous substances. In addition to the health risks of ingesting unknown substances, these drinks can render consumers vulnerable to criminals. Schoolies: Tourists planning to celebrate Schoolies in Thailand should be aware that in the past travelers have had serious accidents and injuries as a result of consumption of alcohol and drugs, and have been arrested for theft and/or possession of narcotics. You should behave in a responsible and culturally sensitive manner. The costs for medical services can be very expensive and penalties for breaking the law in Thailand can be severe. These penalties also apply to minors, who are subject to Thai juvenile judicial processes, including detention in a juvenile or adult prison. 21

22 Opportunistic crime: Petty crime, such as theft from hotel rooms, and pickpocketing is common. Money and passports have been stolen from rooms (particularly in cheaper hotels and hostels) and from bags on public transport. Items have been removed from luggage stored below buses and travelers have reported being drugged and robbed during bus and train journeys. Beware of pickpockets in crowded markets and shopping streets. You can reduce the impact of opportunistic crime when visiting these areas by leaving credit and other valuable items that are not required locked in your hotel safe. Remain vigilant in public areas. Snatch and grab crimes: Tourists have also been robbed after the bags they were carrying were snatched by thieves on motorcycles or were sliced open by razor blades. Beware of motorcycles approaching from behind as you walk on the footpath and hold bags and backpacks in front of you or in ways that make them difficult to be snatched. Be aware that some foreigners, have been killed in these incidents. 22

23 Jet ski scams: Travelers continue to report harassment and threats of violence by jet-ski operators on tourist beaches, particularly in Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Many travelers have reported that, after returning hired jet-skis, they have been confronted by gangs claiming that the tourist damaged the jet-ski. There have been reported instances of such gangs threatening violence, including at knifepoint, if a large sum of money in compensation for the alleged damage is not paid. Recommendations: check the jet-ski for damage, including underneath, before riding and take photographs of the jet-ski that may be helpful in the resolution of disputes. Tourists should also ask jet ski operators to provide evidence of their insurance policy covering damage to the jet ski before entering into a rental agreement. If you believe that you have fallen victim to a jet ski scam, you should call the Tourist Police on Protect the passport: Operators may request a passport as a deposit or guarantee before hiring jet skis or motorbikes. If there is a dispute about damage to a rented jet-ski or motorbike, rental operators may try to keep the passport until they receive compensation. Passports are valuable documents that should be appropriately protected. Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. 23

24 Card skimming and fraud: Credit card and ATM fraud, including the use of 'skimming' machines which can store card data, can occur in Thailand. You should monitor your transaction statements and take care not to expose your PIN to others, particularly when using ATMs. Gem scams: Many travelers fall victim to scams after accepting offers from people recommending or offering various goods or services, particularly when shopping for jewelry and gems. Investment scams: Travelers have also lost large sums of money through bogus investment, property rental and time share schemes, card game scams and other fraudulent activity. There have been complaints from tourists who have lost large sums of money from property purchases. You should be particularly careful and thoroughly research any company offering properties for sale or time share arrangements before entering into an agreement. 24

25 Suggested measures Taxis or tuk-tuks should only be used if the traveler approaches the driver himself. Travelers should negotiate a price before using the service. Travelers should not leave their drinks unattended and should not accept invitations to drinks or meals from casual acquaintances (due to the risk of being drugged by spiked drinks or food). Expensive jewelry and watches etc. should not be openly displayed and travelers should not carry large amounts of cash with them. Valuable items should be carried on the body. Copies of identity papers should be carried at all times. The original documents should be stored in the hotel safe. Travelers are advised to abstain from using remote or secluded ATMs -particularly after dark and when unaccompanied. When entering the pin and pocketing the money, it must be ensured that nobody is watching. Travelers should not resist an attempted robbery. Perpetrators may be armed and willing to resort to violence. Valuable items, cash or the vehicle should be handed over immediately. Have give away money to handout Car doors and windows should remain closed in traffic. Valuable items should be left out of sight in the car, even while driving. Remote areas (particularly after dark) should be avoided. 25

26 Health advice The standard of medical facilities throughout Thailand varies. While private hospitals with international standard facilities can be found in major cities, services can be limited elsewhere. Private hospitals generally require confirmation of insurance or a guarantee of payment before admitting a patient. Costs can be very expensive. Generally, serious illnesses and accidents can be treated at private or public hospitals in Bangkok and other large cities. Decompression chambers are located near popular dive sites in Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Phuket, Pattaya and Bangkok. Stings from jellyfish and other marine animals can be fatal. You should seek advice from local authorities, your tour operator or hotel regarding seasonal bathing conditions, recommended precautions and other potential dangers. 26

27 Health advice: Malaria exists throughout the year in rural areas of the country, particularly near the borders with Cambodia, Laos, and Burma. Dengue fever occurs in Thailand, and is particularly common during the rainy season, peaking in July and August. Thai authorities have reported an increase in dengue fever cases and a number of deaths. Health authorities report a number of cases of dengue each year amongst travelers returning from Thailand. There is no vaccination or specific treatment available for dengue fever. Other insect-borne diseases (including chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis and filariasis) also occur in many areas. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before traveling and to consider taking prophylaxis against malaria where necessary. We also encourage you to take measures to avoid insect bites including using an insect repellent at all times and wearing long, loose fitting, light colored clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof. The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Thailand is high. Appropriate precautions should be used if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection. 27

28 Rabies is a potentially fatal viral disease that can be found in dogs, monkeys, bats and other mammals in Thailand. In order to avoid potential exposure you should not feed or pat monkeys, even in popular markets, tourist destinations and sanctuaries where you may be encouraged to interact with monkeys Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including tuberculosis, cholera, hepatitis, leptospirosis and typhoid) are prevalent with outbreaks occurring from time to time. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food, and avoid unpasteurized dairy products. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhea. You should also be aware that illness caused by naturally occurring seafood toxins such as ciguatera as well as scombroid(histamine fish poisoning ) and toxins in shellfish can be a hazard. Seek urgent medical attention if you suspect poisoning. Avoid temporary 'black henna' tattoos as they often contain a dye which can cause serious skin reactions. 28

29 Generally recommended vaccinations: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis. Polio. Hepatitis A Country-specific recommendations: Hepatitis B Vaccination against typhoid for risky travels (lack of hygiene). Vaccinations against Japanese encephalitis for longer, individual trips in rural areas during the main transmission period (e.g. during the monsoon). Vaccination against rabies for stays in remote regions far away from the capital. 29

30 Special Risks: Regarding security aspects, there is no special etiquette to be followed by foreign travelers in Thailand which could be derived from cultural characteristics. However, certain taboos should be respected. Suggested measures: Revealing clothing in public is a taboo, despite the general tolerance of the society. Choose appropriate clothing out of respect, the shoulders and legs should be covered. Travelers should avoid public display of affection. Travelers should inform themselves about the appropriate behavior when entering temples: shoes must be taken off. Religious objects should be treated with respect (should not be touched, back should not be turned towards the object e.g. when taking a photograph). Women must not touch monks, and are also not allowed to give them anything directly. It is taboo to touch other people's heads. To point the soles of the feet towards someone is considered extremely impolite. 30

31 Special Risk: The import and possession of even small amounts of drugs (including "soft" drugs) is punished with long prison sentences, even with the death penalty in Thailand. It is prohibited to take photographs of military complexes. Sexual practices are illegal in public. Criticizing the Thai royal dynasty can lead up to 15 years of imprisonment, defaming should also be refrained from. It is illegal to criticize the military coup. Travelers are obliged to carry their passports with the entry stamp or the Thai visa with them. A copy suffices. Sonkran festival period: April Be aware of increased risk of travel accidents through alcohol and drugs and a immense road traffic with thousand of injured and hundreds of death people each year. 31

32 Here s a short list of do s and don ts that will serve well on trip to Thailand: Smile. Thais smile under any kind of situation. Related to the first point for Thais, only fools and people of poor upbringing lose their temper in public. Loud voices and angry talk can be extremely counterproductive in Thailand. Thais value keeping face, for themselves and each other. Smiling (see above) will get you much further than a raised voice. Remember the sacred and taboo parts of your body: head and feet. For Thais, the head is the most sacred part of the body, while the feet are the lowest and the filthiest. Don t ever touch a Thai person s head; at the same time, you must never show the soles of your feet to anyone, or use your feet to point to something. Before entering a house or office, it s polite to leave your shoes outside. Public displays of affection are not encouraged in Thailand. Instead of shaking hands, Thais wai to greet people. The wai is a short bow done with hands held fingertips-together close to your chest or face. A proper wai is not as easy as you d think, so practice a little to get the hang of it. Never wai someone of lower status even it sounds like the egalitarian thing to do, you ll only embarrass the person you re wai ing. Buddhism is practiced by most Thais, so one must take extra-special care not to offend their religious sensibilities. Wear appropriate dress before entering a temple avoid sleeveless shirts, flip-flops, and too-short shorts or skirts, for starters. Leave your shoes outside the temple as you enter. Show respect for the King and his family Thais will not appreciate even the friendliest jest about their monarch. Thai people have a deep respect for their King, an affection that reciprocates his many accomplishments and sacrifices for the country. Remember, respect for the King isn t just polite, it s the law. 32