Thailand is at Level 1: exercise normal precautions

The advisory level was decreased to 1. There were no changes to the risk indicators. An area of increased risk was added. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise normal precautions in Thailand. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise Increased Caution near the Thai-Cambodian border due to the risk of armed conflict. 

Exercise Increased Caution in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces due to the risk of unrest.

Advisory summary

Thailand is generally a safe destination for travelers. 

Review our Travel Guidance for Thailand to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

Risks in specific areas

Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution 

Thailand – Cambodia border

Exercise increased caution in the Cambodia border region due to the risk of armed conflict.  

• Thai authorities may establish security exclusion zones with little notice.
• This is to protect the public from possible unexploded ordnance or if there is an assessed risk of possible military conflict. 
• Follow all directives and instructions issued by Thai military and security personnel.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens near the Thai-Cambodian border due to the safety risks. 

Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces

Exercise increased caution in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces due to the risk of unrest.  
 
The potential for overall collateral risk is elevated for Americans in Thailand’s southernmost provinces due to low intensity conflict.  

• Sporadic incidents of violence between Thai security services and insurgents have been occurring in Thailand’s three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. 
• Various districts in these three provinces remain subject to Emergency Decree, which provides Thai security services special powers to address security concerns in the area. 
• The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to Americans in these provinces due to the safety risks. U.S government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these provinces.

If you decide to travel to Thailand:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.  
• Review the Country Security Report for Thailand
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Thailand. 
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.