“We advise ROC nationals to avoid traveling to the Thai capital,” MOFA spokesman Henry Chen said. “For those in Bangkok, we urge them to exercise extreme caution and remain indoors if violence breaks out again.”
Chen urged ROC citizens in Thailand to contact Taiwan’s representative office in Bangkok should they experience problems. “So far, there are no reports of any people from Taiwan being injured,” he said.
Following MOFA’s warning, the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said tourists planning to visit Thailand should postpone their trips. “Those who insist on visiting Bangkok will be fined NT$10,000 to NT$15,000 (US$318 to US$476),” a bureau official said.
According to the official, an estimated 3,000 ROC nationals are traveling in Thailand at the moment.
“Travelers canceling trips they have already paid for will be able to obtain refunds from tour operators,” the official said. “This measure does not apply to visa fees, nor is it applicable to passengers transiting through Bangkok’s international airport.”
Local travel agencies expect a wave of cancellations, particularly after MOFA issued its travel warning. One Taipei-based travel agency said it plans to stop sending tour groups to Bangkok beginning April 11. “But if a group cannot be dissuaded, a waiver indemnifying the agency against all loss must be signed.”
In light of the MOFA warning, Taiwan’s China Airlines and EVA Air have decided not to levy penalty fees on travelers canceling tickets for Bangkok.
The street violence is the culmination of weeks and months of tension between the Thai government and the supporters of former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been living in self-imposed exile during his corruption trials. (CYH-JSM)