Curfews lifted in Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya, Thailand; Foreign Ministry maintains yellow travel alert

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The Thai government announced on the 3rd the lifting of curfews in local tourist destinations, including Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya, but the Foreign Ministry earlier still posted a notice on the Tourism Bureau website, reminding nationals traveling to Thailand for business or leisure to remain vigilant, avoid protest sites, and noting that the travel alert level for Thailand remains "yellow," while the four southern provinces and the eastern border regions remain at "orange."


▲ The Thai government announced on the 3rd the lifting of curfews in areas including Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya. (Photo / Provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand)

The Foreign Ministry also issued specific travel advisories for travelers, as detailed below:

1. In response to anti-military coup protesters holding spontaneous demonstrations at unspecified locations in Bangkok or other parts of Thailand, Thai authorities have recently been deploying security personnel to enforce traffic controls in nearby areas and arresting protest leaders and participants on the spot. Travelers in Thailand are advised to avoid protest sites and refrain from mimicking protesters' gestures or actions with special meanings.

2. Thai authorities announced on May 27, 2014 (103 year, 5th month, 27th day in Taiwan calendar), that the curfew would be shortened starting May 28, 2014, from midnight to 4:00 a.m. daily until social order is restored. However, emergency medical treatment, entering or leaving international airports are exempt. Travelers in Thailand are advised to carry passports and flight tickets or other identification documents for inspection when requested. Operating hours of major retailers and public transportation systems have also been adjusted accordingly; for details, please contact individual businesses or transit operators directly.

3. After Thai Army Commander-in-Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha declared martial law on May 20, 2014 (103 year, 5th month, 20th day), he further announced on May 22, 2014, the full takeover of government power to ensure national security, social stability, and the protection of foreign embassies and international institutions. Subsequently, the military issued orders including media restrictions, curfews, and bans on political gatherings of five or more people.

4. Given that the Thai military has declared martial law, taken over the government, and continues to enforce curfews in most parts of Thailand, while anti-military coup protests persist in Bangkok and elsewhere, the Foreign Ministry advises travelers to Thailand to remain vigilant: (1) Stay informed about developments regarding the Thai military’s martial law and government takeover, and follow instructions from local security personnel; (2) Carry identification documents such as your passport when going out, and confirm your insurance policy’s coverage during martial law before traveling; (3) Monitor information about gatherings and avoid protest sites and surrounding areas; if you encounter a protest, leave the area immediately and do not watch out of curiosity or mimic protesters’ gestures; (4) Stay indoors as much as possible during curfew hours and avoid going out; (5) Avoid wearing all-yellow, all-red, or all-white clothing, as well as accessories or attire clearly representing Thai political groups, to ensure personal safety; (6) Traffic in Bangkok and nearby areas may become more congested due to road blockades—stay updated on daily traffic conditions, depart early, and allow extra travel time to avoid delays.

5. Thai immigration authorities reiterated that foreign nationals entering Thailand must carry a certain amount of cash or equivalent payment methods (credit cards not included). According to regulations, those holding tourist or non-immigrant visas must have 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family; those holding visa-on-arrival or transit visas must have 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family. Immigration officers will conduct random checks, and those who fail to comply may be denied entry.

[ETtoday Travel Alert Basics ─ Travel Alert Levels]
Red (High): Not recommended to travel
Orange (Medium): Exercise high caution, avoid non-essential travel
Yellow (Low): Be aware of travel safety and reconsider travel plans
Gray (Minor): Advisory notice