Several foreign embassies in Thailand have updated travel advisories for their nationals travelling to Thailand after a series of bomb explosions in five southern provinces.
The American, British, Australian and Japan embassies have informed their citizens about the incidents on Thursday and Friday that resulted in four deaths and 35 injuries. Those killed were all Thai nationals but the injured included many foreigners.
The British embassy advises against all but essential travel to the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla on the Thai-Malaysia border.
“There have been multiple explosions in tourist areas across Thailand on 11 and 12 August. We are in close contact with local authorities and urgently seeking more information. You should exercise extreme caution, avoid public places, and follow the advice of local authorities,” its website says.
The US embassy recommended its citizens travelling to or residing in Thailand register with the Department of State in order to receive the latest security updates.
Regarding to the latest incident in Hua Hin, the embassy posted on its website: “Travellers to the area should avoid the affected areas, review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.”
The Australian embassy suggested its citizens not travel to the four southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla.
It advises Australians to exercise a "high degree of caution" in travelling in the rest of Thailand, by paying close attention to personal security at all times and monitor the media about possible new safety or security risks.
The Japanese embassy also issued advice of caution in Japanese and asked Thais to show it to Japanese people in the country.