British holidaymakers are unlikely to receive a refund if they cancel holidays to Thailand due to the escalation of violence in the country, it emerged this week.
Tour operators maintain that holidays to Thailand, with the exception of those involving stays in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, will continue despite a strengthening of Foreign Office advice.
Following the violence that has spread across the country after a crackdown on anti-government protesters, the Foreign Office warned against all travel to Bangkok and any non-essential travel to Chiang Mai. It had previously warned against all but essential travel to the Bangkok, but reviewed its advice amid clashes in which 1,800 people have been injured and dozens killed. It is currently advising any Britons in the Thai capital to stay indoors and to monitor local media or its travel advice. Those elsewhere in Thailand were advised "wherever possible" to take transport services which do not involve transiting Bangkok. The city's Suvarnabhumi airport was operating as normal, and it was safe to transfer from Bangkok airports by road or air to other destinations.
A spokeswoman for Kuoni said that it was contacting tourists due to stay in Chiang Mai or Bangkok in the coming weeks to offer alternative itineraries within Thailand or further afield. All holidays to other parts of Thailand will operate as normal.
"If customers are due to travel to Bangkok or Chiang Mai within the next seven days, they can amend free of charge to alternative destinations, subject to availability," she said. "Any additional cost more than the value of the original holiday will be passed on to customers."
A spokeswoman for Abta, the travel association, said that those disinclined to travel would be considered on a case-by-case basis but should contact their operator as soon as possible.
Airlines confirmed that flights to Bangkok were operating as normal, but several carriers amended their policies. British Airways and Emirates were allowing anyone due to travel to the country to rebook to the same destination up until June 30. British Airways was also allowing passengers to switch their flights to an alternative destination, up to the price of the original ticket. Passengers now in Thailand have the chance to rebook on the next available flight home. Emirates said it would refund tickets to Bangkok if passengers cancel.
Intrepid, which offers group tours throughout Thailand, has cancelled its trips up to May 31.
Kongkrish Hiranyakij, chairman of the Federation of Thai Tourism Industries, estimates that foreign visitors may fall by 20 per cent in the next six months at cost of 120 billion baht (£2.6 billion) to the economy.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has been trying to assure tourists that it is still safe to travel to Thailand. "The major part of Bangkok remains open for tourists and business travellers, with hotels, shops and tourist sites open for business," said Greg Duffell, PATA's chief executive. "The popular tourist resorts such as Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and Pattaya are unaffected".
* The Thai Government has extended its curfew (from 9pm to 5am) until Sunday morning in Bangkok and the 23 other provinces where a state of emergency is in place: Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Nan, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Nakhom Ratchasima, Si Saket, Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Bua Lumphu, Mahasarakham, Roi Et, Sakhon Nakhon, Kalasin, Muk Da Han and Samutprakarn...
