Thailand: Visas as usual for Lankan travellers

Despite the fragile political situation in Thailand and at least 10 countries advising their citizens to postpone their trips there, Sri Lankan travellers continue to go to Thailand as local authorities have claimed that the military coup is in no way dangerous to tourists.

After the bloodless military coup headed by Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin to oust Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, many countries advised their civilian travellers to avoid Thailand unless absolutely necessary.

“We are receiving information from the capital at the moment but there is no hint that Thailand is unsafe for travellers,” sources at the Royal Thai embassy in Colombo said. “We are still issuing visas as usual without any delays,” they said. Foreign Ministry Assistant Director Public Communications M.R. Hassan said the Sri Lankan embassy in Thailand is monitoring the situation and has reported it is calm and peaceful at the moment.

“The Government has not issued any statement to travellers heading for Thailand and the airports are functioning as usual,” he said.

Travel agencies reported there had been no change in the number of travellers going to Thailand from Sri Lanka after the coup began, although some believe that it was not wise to go there considering the situation.

“The planes are landing there without any delay or interference,” said Classic Travels CEO S. Mendis. “It’s not the best time to go to Thailand and it’s advisable to postpone your trip for a few weeks,” he added. However, he also stated that there were no cancellations of any flights and everything was operating as usual.

NCAR Travels General Manager M. Rajaratne told The Sunday Times that Embassy officials had said it was completely safe to travel there. “Although there were sceptical travellers who were cautious about going to Thailand, we have received no complaints from any passengers who have landed there,” he said.

However, countries such as the US, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and Philippines made announcements to travellers heading for Thailand to postpone their trips and advised travellers already in Thailand to exercise extreme caution by staying away from large gatherings and government buildings.