Gap year travellers heading to Thailand should consider
worldwide travel insurance despite an apparent easing of political tensions in the country.
Earlier this month the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised against all but essential travel to Thailand as protesters in favour of exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra took to the streets in a bid to oust current leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.
The government immediately declared a state of emergency in and around Bangkok, but Mr Vejjajiva lifted this on Friday (April 24th) as the situation appears to have calmed down.
He told parliament after a late-night debate on the recent unrest: "The lifting of the decree will send a signal to the world that Thailand is back to normal."
Mr Vejjajiva added he hoped the move would send a message to opponents that "the government wants reconciliation".
Brits considering a year out in or around Thailand are still advised to exercise caution, however, and taking out an
online travel insurance policy is recommended.
The FCO website warns: "Although law and order appears to have been restored, the situation remains volatile and unpredictable."
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