Latest Travel Advice

Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel Advice

Friday, November 25, 2011 12:04:16

Thailand

Heavy rainfall across Thailand in September and October has caused widespread flooding resulting in disruption and over 600 deaths. We advise caution if travelling to any of the 16 provinces in Thailand (including Bangkok), which are affected by flooding, as identified by the Thai authorities. The affected provinces are: North; (Nakhon Sawan) Central; (Chai Nat, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathumthani, Nonthaburi, Samutsakhon, Samut Prakarn and Bangkok) Northeast; (Roi-et) Eastern; (Chacheongsao and Nakhon Nayok).

There is still a large volume of flood water from the north passing through Bangkok, and to the east and west of the city, to reach the Gulf of Thailand. This flood water is being contained by a series of barriers, dykes and canals and has flooded outlying districts to the north (including Chatuchak), east and west of central Bangkok. Some of the flood defences have been breached and the authorities have put in place measures to deal with these breaches. We assess that the risk of floods affecting central Bangkok is reducing, though a small risk remains that some of the floodwater affecting the suburbs to the north, east and west of Bangkok could spread slowly towards the centre of the city. This risk is diminishing as more floodwater drains into the sea. We continue to monitor the situation and update this Travel Advice on a regular basis.

Flooding has caused some transport, electricity and water supply disruption. If you are in a flood affected area, you should exercise caution, follow the advice of the local authorities and take sensible precautions with food and water, including boiling tap water before drinking.

The National Travel Health Network and Centre has issued advice and information about the possible increased risk from illness and disease in the flood affected areas. Contact your GP for further advice and information before travelling. The Food Standards Agency has issued advice on how to prepare food safely in flooded areas.

The Don Muang domestic airport closed on 25 October, due to flooding. If you were due to use this airport contact your airline or tour operator for information. Suvarnabhumi international airport is operating normally.

Due to flooding there is disruption to road and rail transport, particularly on routes in and out of greater Bangkok (mainly to the north but other directions, such as roads to the south west, may also be affected) and in flooded areas. Seek advice from your tour operator or the local authorities for up-to-date information.

Supply chain disruption is causing localised shortages of bottled water, dried/tinned foods and some other products in supermarkets.Latest Foreign Office information

Egypt

There have been ongoing violent confrontations between security forces and demonstrators in Tahrir Square and the Downtown area of Cairo since Friday 18 November. There are reports of dangerous forms of gas being used against protesters as well as live ammunition. Over 35 people have been killed, mainly in Cairo, and over 1,800 injured.

There are reported calls for a demonstration in Tahrir Square on 25 November. There are also reports of a march to the Ministry of Defence in the Abbasiya district of Cairo on 25 November. It is possible that demonstrations could occur in other areas of Cairo as well as Alexandria and other cities in Egypt, including Suez, Ismailiya and Beni Suef. Tahrir Square is still occupied by protestors and is not passable to traffic.

British nationals should stay away from Tahrir Square, including the Egyptian Museum and the Downtown area of Cairo including Maspero and the Interior Ministry.

British nationals should avoid all crowds and demonstrations. The situation is volatile and changing rapidly and we recommend that you follow events on local and international news and seek advice from tour operators.

Since the Embassy is located in Garden City, which is near Tahrir and Downtown Cairo, if you need to visit the Embassy please call beforehand to check on security. The number to call is 02 2791 6000.

The first phase of elections are due to take place on 28 November. Voting for the People’s Assembly will take place in the following Governorates on this date: Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said, Fayoum, Damietta, Kafr El Sheikh, Assyut, Red Sea (including Hurghada) and Luxor (See Safety and Security - Political Situation). We advise British nationals to stay away from polling stations on these dates.

There have been reports of sexual assaults on women during some demonstrations in Tahrir Square. There have also been a number of arrests during demonstrations, including British and other foreign nationals. You should carry ID at all times .

There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Egypt, including in Sinai. Security is tight throughout the country, especially in resort areas. There is a high risk of indiscriminate attacks including public places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, including but not limited to resorts, hotels and restaurants.

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