Thailand travel advisories

Caution regarding protests and other activities related to the situation in the Middle East

Oct. 5, 2024, midnight wide area information

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Wide-area information on infectious diseases: Caution regarding MOX (Declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC))

Aug. 16, 2024, midnight Wide area information (infectious diseases)

【point】
● On August 14 (local time), the WHO Emergency Committee met and advised WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus that the spread of Empox infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and several African countries could potentially spread outside the African continent and be considered a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)."
On the same day, Director-General Tedros declared that the outbreak constituted a PHEIC.

Caution regarding Mpox

Aug. 8, 2024, midnight Wide area information (infectious diseases)

●On August 7, at a regular press conference, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that a serious Empox outbreak is occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and that the infection is spreading in neighboring countries.
People traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighboring countries, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, the Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic, where there have been many cases of Empox clade 1 recently, should be particularly careful to prevent infection. People traveling to other countries and regions should also take measures to prevent infection, as the possibility of the infection spreading in the future cannot be denied.

Impact of floods on transportation in Chiang Mai

Oct. 7, 2024, 6:31 p.m.

1. Lifelines such as electricity and water are gradually being restored, however, power outages and water outages are still occurring in some areas.

2. According to reports, the recent rainfall and flooding have had an impact on major roads and some transport services, causing them to be suspended.
(1) According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Chiang Mai Airport is operating normally; however, some access roads to the airport are closed, so travelers are advised to allow plenty of time for travel to the airport.
(2) Due to the recent rains and floods, the railway is currently out of service between Chiang Mai and Lampang (it is operating between Bangkok and Lampang).
(3) Regarding long-distance buses, the Chiang Mai bus terminal is flooded and there is no prospect of recovery. Buses going from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are operating normally, but a temporary bus stop has been set up near GHBANK on the highway side near the bus terminal entrance.

As of 12:00 on the 7th, Chiang Mai Provincial Traffic Police have announced road closures in the following areas within the city.
(1) Road closure or partial road closure: Nong Prateep Intersection: Road closed towards Charoen Muang Road.
- Mahidol Road: Normal traffic is permitted. However, some sections are flooded, so caution is advised when passing through.
- Changkran Road: The section from Lakaeng Intersection to Mahidol Road is closed.
- Changkran Road (from Saen Tawan Intersection to Lageang Road): Normal traffic is permitted. However, some sections are flooded, so caution is required when passing through.
- Charoenprathet Road: The section from Anantara Resort to Mengrai Bridge is closed.
- Railway tracks on Sannarung Road - Wat Muang Kai - Kawiraanukoon School towards Sanphakoi Market: Road closed.
- Pardate Bridge over the Ping River on the Inner Ring Road: Closed.
(2) National Highway 11 (Super Highway Chiang Mai-Lampang Line), which had been closed until now, is now open to normal traffic.

4. Due to the recent rainfall and flooding, various forms of transportation (airports, trains, buses) have been affected. Japanese nationals and travelers traveling in the country are advised to obtain the latest information from each form of transportation when traveling, and to take sufficient precautions to avoid becoming the victim of disasters and accidents.
Please be aware that some roads may be closed due to flooding and inundation in the future.

5. Please refer to the following links (in Thai) for information on meteorological conditions and transportation in Thailand.
(1) Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
https://www.dmr.go.th/
(2) Thailand Meteorological Department, Northern Branch
http://www.cmmet.tmd.go.th/index1.php
(3) Natural Disaster Management Office, Ministry of the Interior
https://www.disaster.go.th/home
(4) Chiang Mai Airport https://www.facebook.com/chiangmaiairport/?locale=th_TH
(5) State Railway of Thailand https://www.facebook.com/pr.railway/?locale=th_TH
(6) Chiang Mai Land Transport Office https://www.facebook.com/dltchiangmai/?locale=th_TH

(Contact information)
○Consulate General of Japan in Chiang Mai
Tel: +66-52-012500
Fax: +66-52-012515

Overseas Safety Measures Information (2nd Quarter of FY2024 (July-September))

Oct. 7, 2024, 12:11 p.m.

1. Social and security situation, etc. "Terrorism situation in the deep south of Thailand"
During this quarter, in Thailand's far south (Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces), there were an average of approximately 13 terrorist attacks using firearms and explosives suspected to be linked to Islamic militant groups each month.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a risk information of "Level 3: Do not travel (recommended travel cancellation)" for Yala Province, Pattani Province, Narathiwat Province, and parts of Songkhla Province (Jana, Thepa, and Sabayoi districts). Please refrain from traveling to these areas for any purpose. Please note that a risk information of "Level 2: Do not travel unless it is essential" has been issued for the other districts of Songkhla Province.

2. Crime Trends, etc. (1) Crime Trends There were 64 reported cases of crimes committed by Japanese nationals during the second quarter of FY2024. This is an increase of 26 cases compared to the previous quarter.
(2) Case files of Japanese nationals
During the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, eight Japanese nationals were arrested by Thai police for crimes including illegal residence and murder, and 11 Japanese nationals were forced to leave the country for violating the Immigration Control Act and other reasons.
(3) Other points to note [Beware of troubles surrounding custom-made suits]
During this season, there have been several cases where people have come to the Embassy for advice after being approached by taxi or tuk-tuk drivers while sightseeing around tourist spots such as the Royal Palace and temples, where they ordered a suit and then found that the price of the suit was several times the market price.
When purchasing a custom-made suit, please be sure to prepare yourself to avoid such a situation by researching the store's reputation and the market price of suits in advance on the Internet.

[Sudden increase in complaints about "show me your money" scams]
In Bangkok, there have been a number of reports of so-called "money scams" in which men (or men and women) claiming to be from Dubai approach people and ask to see their banknotes, and then steal their cash or credit cards during the transaction. The number of such reports continues to increase during this fiscal year.
If you are approached by a stranger as described above, please ignore them and leave the situation as quickly as possible.

[Caution regarding lost or stolen passports]
We have received many inquiries regarding lost or stolen passports. The number of inquiries received during this period was 79 (21 of which were thefts), and remains at a high level.
Please take care to store your passport in the same way as any other valuable, and take steps to prevent it from being lost or stolen by not casually placing it in an outer pocket of a backpack where it could be easily taken out by a third party. When in crowded places such as on trains, in busy areas, or at event venues, try to carry your bag in front of your body.

○Please refer to our website "Procedures to follow if your passport is lost or stolen in Thailand"
https://www.th.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/consular_lost.html

3. Status of terrorist and bomb incidents During the second quarter of FY2024, no incidents involving Japanese nationals were reported.

4. Status of kidnapping and blackmail incidents No incidents involving Japanese nationals were reported during the second quarter of FY2024.

5. Safety Issues at Japanese Companies No safety issues were reported at Japanese companies during the second quarter of FY2024.

[Overseas Safety Cheat Sheet 2024 - A manual for avoiding trouble when traveling abroad]
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/pamph/pdf/toranomaki.pdf
[Golgo 13's overseas safety measures manual for small and medium-sized enterprises]
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/anzen_info/golgo13xgaimusho.html
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/press/release/press4_009327.html
[Safety Guide] (Convention website)
https://www.th.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000207735.pdf
[Caution regarding special fraud cases (to avoid becoming a perpetrator)]
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/info/pcwideareaspecificinfo_2023C035.html

(Contact information)
○Consular Section of the Embassy of Japan in Thailand Tel: (66-2) 207-8500, 696-3000
Address: 177 Witthayu Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
(Wittayu Road, roughly halfway between Lumpini Police Station and Lumpini MRT Station)
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◎If you have submitted a residence notification, please be sure to notify us of any changes to the information listed (changes in address due to moving, additions or changes to mobile phone number or email address, etc.) or if you have returned to your home country or moved out.
◎Short-term travelers staying for less than three months (including overseas tourists and business travelers) who are not required to submit a residence notification should make use of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas travel registration ("Tabi-Regi"). Registered users can receive the latest travel information for their destination, contact emails in the event of an emergency, and emergency contacts in case of an emergency.
・Tabireg: https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/index.html
・If you have signed up for Tabi-Regi Simple Registration and would like to stop receiving emails, please follow the procedure to stop receiving emails from the URL below.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/delete
◎In the event of an emergency, we may use the short message service (SMS) to send relevant information to the mobile phone numbers registered in your residence notification or Tabi-Regi to confirm your safety and request a reply. In this system, we use Thailand's country code (+66) as a general rule, and messages are sent in half-width alphanumeric characters (Roman letters).
・About the start of operations: https://www.th.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000388576.pdf
・Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.th.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000388577.pdf

Impact of floods on lifelines in Chiang Mai

Oct. 5, 2024, 6:16 p.m.

1. Due to the effects of the rains and floods so far, lifelines such as electricity and water supply have been affected in some areas of Chiang Mai, and there are reports that the effects will continue to worsen.

As of 12:00 on the 5th, the following areas have been announced as experiencing emergency power outages by local power corporation.
(1) Tha Phae Road (Tha Phae Gate): Area including Sridonchai Temple, Anusarn Market, and Buppharam Temple (2) Lageang Road, Prachasampan Road, and Viangpin Road (3) Changkran Road (4) Si Ping Muang Road (5) Chiang Mai-Hang Dong Road: Rong Luang Kham Village side (6) Mahidol Road: Mazda showroom side (7) Pha Than Road: Suk Kasem Alley

3. Regarding the water supply, water cuts have already occurred in some areas, and the PWA is urging residents to take measures in advance to secure water for daily use, as the floods in Chiang Mai may cause a decline in water pressure and volume, and may lead to an increase in the number of areas in Chiang Mai Mueang District and neighboring districts where water is unavailable.

4. In the future, there is a possibility that lifelines such as electricity and water may be affected in the above-mentioned areas as well as in the wider Chiang Mai city. Japanese residents and travelers in the country are therefore advised to collect the latest information and take sufficient precautions to avoid becoming the victim of disasters and accidents.

5. For meteorological information within Thailand, please refer to the following link (in Thai).
(1) Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment https://www.dmr.go.th/
(2) Thailand Meteorological Department, Northern Branch http://www.cmmet.tmd.go.th/index1.php
(3) Ministry of Interior’s Natural Disaster Management Office https://www.disaster.go.th/home

(Contact information)
○Consulate General of Japan in Chiang Mai
Tel: +66-52-012500
Fax: +66-52-012515

Rising water levels of the Ping River in Chiang Mai (morning of October 4th)

Oct. 4, 2024, 1:21 p.m.

The Thai Irrigation Department has announced that the water level of the Ping River is expected to continue to rise and exceed the peak of 4.93 metres recorded on September 26, which caused extensive flooding.
When the water level reached 4.93m, flood damage occurred over a wide area, including near the Night Bazaar, but there is a high possibility that even more widespread and serious flood damage will occur in the future.
Therefore, we ask that people living in areas that did not experience flooding during the last peak in late September also remain vigilant.
If you live in an area that is likely to flood, please take precautions such as moving your belongings, turning off your electricity breakers (known as "cutting out"), and evacuating to a safe place, depending on the situation.
We ask that everyone please keep up to date with the latest information, and if you are in an area expected to be affected by heavy rain or flooding, please refrain from going out. If you are planning to travel to or stay in such an area, please consider changing your itinerary, routes, or destinations as necessary, and take other precautions to avoid being affected by disasters or accidents.

<Chiang Mai City Information Desk for Supplies, Evacuation Assistance, etc.>
083-7106842
083-7043675
*Both are available in Thai and English

<Links regarding weather information in Thailand>
1. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment https://www.dmr.go.th/
2. Thailand Meteorological Department, Northern Branch http://www.cmmet.tmd.go.th/index1.php
3. Ministry of Interior, Natural Disaster Management Office https://www.disaster.go.th/home

Information on rallies and demonstrations in Bangkok (Saturday, October 5th)

Oct. 3, 2024, 5:51 p.m.

[Rally and demonstration information in Bangkok]
Date and time: Saturday, October 5th, from around 11:00 to around 13:00 Location: From BTS Chit Lom Station Skywalk to BTS National Stadium Station

(Note) Please be aware that on the day of the meeting, traffic congestion is expected on King Rama I Road, where the meeting will take place, due to traffic restrictions.

(Contact information)
○Consular Section of the Embassy of Japan in Thailand Tel: (66-2) 207-8500, 696-3000
Address: 177 Witthayu Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
(Wittayu Road, roughly halfway between Lumpini Police Station and Lumpini MRT Station)

Rising water levels of the Ping River in Chiang Mai

Oct. 3, 2024, 3:16 p.m.

The Thai Irrigation Department announced that the water level of the Ping River is expected to reach 4.2m by 4pm today, well above the flood warning level (3.7m), and could reach 4.95m by 2am on the 4th.
The Ping River flooded in late September, causing flood damage over a wide area, including near the Night Bazaar, and there is a risk that similar or even greater damage may occur again.
The images posted on our Embassy's website below were released by the City of Chiang Mai.
Our website:
https://www.chiangmai.th.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/CMflood20241003.html
The city of Chiang Mai is asking people living in areas 1 to 7 on the map in the image to move their belongings to higher locations due to the risk of flooding, and to take measures to turn off electrical breakers (known as cut-outs) to prevent injury to people in the event of water flooding into their homes.
In addition, the bottom right of the image shows the water level of the Ping River at which flooding may occur in each of areas 1 to 7. The water level at which flooding may occur in area 7 is 4.6m. Therefore, if the water level reaches 4.95m, the maximum predicted by the authorities, flood damage may occur in areas outside of areas 1 to 7. Furthermore, if the water level rises more than the authorities predict, flood damage may occur over a wider area.
In relation to this, people living in areas numbered 1 through 7, and areas adjacent to these areas, should take appropriate measures such as moving belongings, turning off electrical breakers (known as "cutting out"), and evacuating to a safe place.
Chiang Mai City continues to provide material support and evacuation assistance, so if you need this support, please contact the Chiang Mai City information desk at 083-7106842.
083-7043674
*Please call for Thai or English support.
We ask that everyone please keep up to date with the latest information, and if you are in an area expected to be affected by heavy rain or flooding, please refrain from going out. If you are planning to travel to or stay in such an area, please consider changing your itinerary, routes, or destinations as necessary, and take other precautions to avoid being affected by disasters or accidents.

For weather information within Thailand, please refer to the following link (in Thai).

(link)
1. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment https://www.dmr.go.th/
2. Thailand Meteorological Department, Northern Branch http://www.cmmet.tmd.go.th/index1.php
3. Ministry of Interior, Natural Disaster Management Office https://www.disaster.go.th/home