U.S. State Department Issues Temporary Travel Warning for Thailand


Skift Take

The travel warning's expiration date highlights the election's short-term impact on tourism. Few travelers will hesitate to book a trip for after the elections are done.
The U.S. State Department issued Sunday a travel warning for Thailand in light of recent demonstrations ahead of the Thai parliamentary elections on February 2, 2014. The majority of demonstrations have taken place in Bangkok, but groups have also gathered throughout the country. The State Department advises travelers to avoid all demonstrations and to allow extra time when traveling through cities. The travel warning expires after the elections on February 14, 2014. The full text of the travel warning from the U.S. State Department website is included below: The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the potential risks of travel to Thailand, particularly Bangkok, due to ongoing political and social unrest ahead of Thai parliamentary elections, scheduled to take place nationwide on February 2, 2014.  The situation is unpredictable and ongoing demonstration activity, primarily in the greater Bangkok area and occasionally elsewhere in Thailand, is expected to continue.  U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings.  Some protest sites are located near tourist attractions and popular shopping malls, which at times have closed or shortened hours unexpectedly.  Protests may occur in other areas with little or no prior notice.   You should allow extra time when