Heading for Thailand?

He adds that Flight Centre has systems to monitor all planned client travel and has contacted its customers destined for Thailand.

He adds that Flight Centre has systems to monitor all planned client travel and has contacted its customers destined for Thailand.

Published May 28, 2014

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Bangkok - In light of last week’s military coup d’etat in Thailand, which was the culmination of long-standing political instability, Flight Centre is advising all its travellers to check regularly on the current state of affairs before travelling to that country.

“If Bangkok is the main destination or point of travel, we recommend that non-essential travel is postponed for a day or two, and that the situation is reassessed before travelling,” says Andrew Stark, Flight Centre South Africa’s general manager.

He adds that islands and resorts are currently unaffected by the change in government.

However, should South Africans be travelling to the city, Flight Centre encourages all travellers entering the Bangkok Metropolitan area to adhere to identity verification process advice from the Tourism Authority of Thailand:

Carry your passport with you at all times, in case an officer asks to inspect it.

When using airport taxi transfer services, either to or from Suvarnabhumi Airport, only use taxis with an authorised sticker from the Airport of Thailand PLC (AOT) displayed on the windshield. Taxis bearing this sticker can pass through checkpoints with ease.

Tourist groups with a tour guide and tour bus are also allowed to pass through checkpoints.

Passengers unable to find transport out of Suvarnabhumi Airport during Thailand’s curfew hours should make use of the facilities available at the CIP Lounges 1-4, which are located on the third floor of the passenger terminal.

Shuttle bus services between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports will continue to operate as normal.

“At present there are no travel bans instituted by the South African government although we support DIRCO’s recommendation that all South Africans living in or visiting Thailand register on DIRCO’s website and stay away from all protest sites. We also recommend that all travellers to Thailand take comprehensive travel insurance and stay vigilant.”

Stark reiterates that Thailand still remains a very popular destination for South Africans with Flight Centre seeing this destination grow year on year despite the turmoil in Bangkok.

“South Africans are resilient travellers and with the favourable rate of exchange to the Thai baht, it still remains a leading value for money destination.”

He adds that Flight Centre has systems to monitor all planned client travel and has contacted its customers destined for Thailand. All Flight Centre consultants will be furnished with updated information, will be able to answer any relevant travel enquiries, and can offer full travel advice around comprehensive travel insurance to any destination.

All queries can also be directed to 0877 40 50 00.

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