Breaking News / Orange Alert in Thailand！Tourism Bureau Announces Refund Guidelines

▲ Thailand’s “Yellow Shirts” have cast an orange hue over local tourism. (Photo / DAGI Images / AP)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Due to large-scale protests and demonstrations carried out by anti-government groups in Thailand, traffic in Bangkok has been affected by road blockades. In the early hours of January 21 at 2 AM, another shooting incident occurred in Thailand. Anti-government groups marched in central districts such as Sathorn and Silom, causing traffic congestion; additionally, they called on supporters to hold demonstrations in many provinces, which have led to the paralysis of some local governments in the southern region. That evening, the Thai government announced that it would declare a state of emergency in Bangkok and nearby provinces starting from the 22nd.Consequently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised the travel alert level for Bangkok and its vicinity from a “Yellow Alert” to an “Orange Alert” (Exercise a high degree of caution, avoid non-essential travel) effective the 22nd, advising nationals to refrain from traveling to the aforementioned areas unless absolutely necessary.

After consulting with the Executive Yuan’s Consumer Protection Committee, the Travel Agent Association of the Republic of China, and the Travel Quality Assurance Association, and taking into account analyses from international media on the situation in Thailand as well as reports from local tourism industry sources, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has jointly formulated the following principles for handling cancellations and refunds for tour groups traveling to Bangkok and surrounding areas in Thailand:
(1) For itineraries that include travel to areas in Thailand under an Orange Travel Alert issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: When travelers cancel their trip, procedures shall be carried out in accordance with Clause 28-1 of the Standardized Overseas Travel Contract, meaning that the travel agency may deduct necessary expenses already paid,and may also charge travelers a compensation fee not exceeding 5% of the total tour cost..

(2) For itineraries that do not involve travel to areas under the aforementioned Orange Travel Alert: When travelers cancel their trip, procedures shall be handled in accordance with Clause 27 of the Standardized Overseas Travel Contract. Compensation to the travel agency shall be made proportionally based on the time elapsed between the cancellation notice reaching the agency and the departure date.

(3) Travelers who wish to postpone their trip or join a different group may still negotiate with the travel agency. The Travel Agent Association of the Republic of China is also requested to coordinate with relevant businesses to handle changes and group transfers leniently, thereby minimizing losses incurred by travelers due to necessary expenses.

The Tourism Bureau urges travel agencies that include trips to Bangkok in their itineraries to prioritize travel safety, adjust routes accordingly, avoid areas where demonstrations may occur, and offer alternative itineraries of comparable value. At the same time, the Bureau advises nationals traveling to Thailand or conducting business there to pay attention to their personal safety and stay informed about the evolving situation; in case of emergencies, please contact the Taiwanese Representative

Emergency contact numbers of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Thailand: (66)81-666-4006, (66)81-666-4008; direct dial within Thailand: (081)666-4006, 666-4008. The office also reminds travelers that if they encounter consumption disputes that cannot be resolved, they may file a complaint with the Travel Quality Assurance Association of the Republic of China (address: 11F, No. 78, Section 2, Chang’an East Road, Taipei City, consumer complaint hotline: 0800558185) or the office itself (address: 9F, No. 290, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Taipei City, toll-free complaint hotline: 0800211734) for assistance in arranging mediation.