Thailand's travel alert has been raised to orange; the Tourism Bureau announces refund principles for cancelled trips

On October 12, Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation upgraded the travel alert level for Bangkok and 30 provinces from yellow to orange. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives' Department of Water Resources and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration estimate that flooding will affect Bangkok between October 15 and 18. The public is advised to stay vigilant.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications' Tourism Bureau, in consultation with the Executive Yuan's Consumer Protection Committee, the Travel Agent Association of the Republic of China, and the Travel Quality Assurance Association, has established refund and cancellation guidelines for tour groups traveling to the aforementioned orange-alert areas. According to Article 28-1 of the Standardized Outbound Travel Contract, "If, prior to departure, there is factual evidence indicating a risk to the safety of travelers' lives, bodies, health, or property in any destination of the tour group, the provisions of the preceding article (Article 28) shall apply, allowing for contract termination. However, the party terminating the contract shall compensate the other party by no more than 5% of the travel cost." The Bureau stated that travelers wishing to postpone their trips or join alternative groups may negotiate with their travel agencies to minimize losses for both parties.

The Tourism Bureau also urges Taiwanese citizens traveling to Thailand or conducting business there to prioritize personal safety and stay informed of the situation. In case of emergencies, please contact the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand immediately. Emergency contact numbers: (66)81-666-4006, (66)81-666-4008; direct dial within Thailand: (081)666-4006, 666-4008. The Bureau also reminds travelers that if they encounter unresolved consumer disputes, they may file complaints with the Travel Quality Assurance Association (address: 11F, No. 78, Sec. 2, Chang’an E. Rd., Taipei City 104, Taiwan; consumer complaint hotline: 0800-558-185) or the Bureau (address: 9F, No. 290, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Taipei City 106, Taiwan; toll-free complaint line: 0800-211-734) for assistance in mediation.

The 30 affected provinces include: Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Saraburi, Nonthaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Sisaket, Surin, Chachoengsao, Prachin Buri, Chiang Mai, Phayao, Nan, Loei, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak.