The Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory for its citizens travelling to Thailand, recommending them to exercise a high degree of caution with regional advisories, including avoiding all travel to and through the southern province of Songkhla.
In case you’re not familiar, Songkhla is where Hatyai is located, and is one of the most popular travel destinations among Malaysians who visit the Land of Smiles.
Canadian citizens are advised to “avoid all travel” to the four southern provinces of Thailand
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In the travel advisory, which was last updated on 12 May, the Government of Canada advises its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand due to ongoing political tensions and sporadic demonstrations in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country.
Moreover, Canadian nationals are told to “avoid all travel” to and through the four southernmost provinces of Thailand, namely Songkhla, Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala.
This is due to the “unpredictable security situation” from Thai separatist insurgents periodically perpetrating violent attacks that are “criminally and politically motivated”.
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The Government of Canada asserted,
“These deadly attacks include shootings, bombings and arson, and are usually directed at military, government and security buildings and personnel. They have also occurred in a variety of public places.”
The travel advisory added that martial law and heavily enhanced security measures are in place in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and Sadao District in Songkhla, with increased enforcement powers allowing local authorities to:
- Detain suspects without charge
- Conduct searches
- Seize objects or documents
- Impose curfews
Hence, the Government of Canada warned its citizens from travelling to and through these provinces, even other districts not under martial law and heavily enhanced security measures in Songkhla province, asserting,
“You risk becoming a collateral victim of an attack if you travel in these provinces.”
Canadians are also told to “avoid non-essential travel” to the east coast of Sabah
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Meanwhile, for Canadians travelling to Malaysia, the Government of Canada advises them to exercise a high degree of caution due to “the threat of criminality and terrorism”.
Furthermore, Canadian nationals are also told to “avoid non-essential travel” to the east coast of Sabah in East Malaysia.
This is due to the risk of kidnapping and violence in the following districts:
- Lahad Datu
- Kunak
- Semporna
- Sandakan
- Kinabatangan
- Beluran
The travel advisory further elaborated that Eastern Sabah is deemed a Special Security Area by the Malaysian Government.
The Government of Canada asserted,
“Despite increased security in the region, the risk of kidnapping and violence perpetrated by Philippine militants remains, especially in the coastal areas. Tourist resorts, restaurants and watercrafts are targeted as well as resort islands and surrounding waters, including around Sipadan.”
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So, what do you guys think of the travel advisories by the Government of Canada for its citizens travelling to Thailand and Malaysia? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: 16yo Msian Boy Contracts STD After Friends Pressure Him to ‘Try Something New’ in Thailand
