That's The Badger

Bangkok, and for that matter the whole of Thailand, has had a lot to deal with in the last decade or so. A mix of political unrest, the occasional coup d’état and the devastating 2004 Boxing Day tsunami left many people wondering whether Thailand could hold on to its place as the de-facto homeland of traveller, backpackers and tourists. Despite the turmoil millions of visitors still flock to the beautiful beaches of Phuket and Krabi each year, as well as sampling the exotic and dazzling sights of Bangkok.

Safety Information

Fortunately, the political instability which rocked the capital early last year seems to have settled down for now, though the UK Foreign Office continues to remind visitors to stay vigilant and avoid large groups or demonstrations. Elections are due to take place across the country this June or July; visitors are again advised to take all precautions and pay attention to local news in case there is a return to violence.

Visa Information

UK citizens do not currently need a visa to enter the country, a passport will allow you access to the country for 30 days, unless you arrive via an overland crossing, which will provide you with entry for 15 days; failure to carry your passport at all times can result in arrest, so ensure you carry documentation at all times. Anyone wishing to work, or stay in Thailand longer than 30 days, must apply for a visa; failure to correctly extend your visit can result in a 500baht fine per day, as well as possible arrest and deportation.

Visitors entering Thailand must also carry a certain amount of foreign currency, this can range from $500 per person, to $1,000 per family; the current policy attempts to reduce the amount of waifs and strays passing through the country, by ensuring that everyone entering can in some way contribute to the Thai economy.

Legal Information

Thailand has an incredibly strict narcotics policy, all visitors are reminded that drug offences result in extremely stiff penalties, in certain cases the punishment for carrying an amount of substances is death. Visitors are also advised that Lèse Majesté is in effect across the country – critical or defamatory remarks about the Thai Royal Family can result in a 3-15 year prison term.

Travel Information

Bangkok is currently serviced by one international airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), and one domestic airport, Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport became operational in 2005 and currently handles over 90 airlines, including a number of UK based and international airlines operate out of Bangkok, such as BA, Virgin and Etihad Airways. With over 40.5million passengers passing through Suvarnabhumi Airport each year, flights to London from Bangkok, or flights from Paris and other major European and international destinations are readily available.

Health Information

According to national statistics, UK citizens are more likely to visit hospital when visiting Thailand than any other country. Holidaymakers are advised to ensure that they have fully comprehensive medical insurance when visiting Thailand, as private hospitals, which cater for westerners and are generally of a higher standard than Thai public hospitals, can be expensive. Before embarking on a visit to Thailand holidaymakers are advised to seek advice from their GP’s on necessary vaccinations and preventative measures against viruses, such as Malaria and Dengue Fever.

According to the latest news reports, the political stability of the Ivory Coast is continuing to disintegrate, after the prime minister for Mr Alassane Outtara, the UN recognised president of the Ivory Coast, told his followers that now is the time for a ‘rapid offensive’ against Abidjan, the country’s biggest cities and the last refuge of Laurent Gbagbo, the former ex-president.

The most recent Ivory Coast crisis initially started in November 2010, after the results of the election were disputed by sitting president, Laurent Gbagbo. The elections, which should have been held in 2005, were supervised by the country’s Electoral Commission and the UN. In a closely fought second place run off, Mr Outtara is believed to have won with 54% of the vote, but after learning the result Mr Gbagbo, using his supporters in the Constitutional Council, had seven of the northern electoral regions annulled; effectively rigging the vote and claiming the presidency for himself.

The actions of Mr Gbagbo have been heavily criticised by the international community and the UN, which under the 2007 peace agreement has to ratify any electoral process, has refused to recognise Mr Gbagbo as the president. Since the election, both men have inaugurated themselves and tension between the two parties has steadily increased.

According to the latest from the Oxfam website, over 100,000 citizens of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire have now been displaced, and thousands more continue to live in fear; most analysts are now expecting a return to the levels of violence last seen in the 2002 civil war. Caroline Cluck, a spokesperson for Oxfam in Liberia stated: “Most people have fled their homes after armed men stormed their village. Communities in Liberia are generously supporting thousands of people but they don’t have the supplies to provide help any longer. Much more needs to be done to help people who have fled violence and are now stranded with very little.”

The UN, the international community and humanitarian charities are continuing with their attempts to halt and lessen the scale of the crisis, but the rhetoric on both sides appears to be intensifying and many fear that more bloodshed is inevitable.

A recent consumer focus poll suggests that nearly two-thirds of ISA holders are failing to secure sufficient interest rates, after their introductory rates end. According to the study, a third of those asked did not know, or where not sure of, when their introductory rate finished. The study also found that more than 70% of ISA holders failed to switch their ISA’s to a better rate and only 11% of ISA accounts are switched each year.

Since their creation in 1999, ISA limits have steadily increased in size. Last year’s limit was £10,200, half of which can be invested in cash, but this year the ISA limit has been increased to £10,680, again half of which can be invested in cash. Interest rates for ISA’s do vary depending upon your financial institution – most offer an introductory rate, for example Ulster bank on top of the standard 2.5% rate offer an additional 1.5% Gross/AER for the first twelve months on their instant access savings accounts.

However, according to the study commissioned by Consumer Focus, most ISA holders forget about the introductory and often miss out on potentially better rates elsewhere. Oliver Morgans from the group stated: “Sadly Isa customers have to watch banks like a hawk if they are to get the best deals… With consumers getting a paltry return as low as 0.1% on some savings accounts, our advice to savers is to check your rate and if you are not happy, vote with your feet and switch to an ISA that pays more.”

The OFT recently completed an investigation into introductory rates, but found no problem with such offers. A statement from the BBA concurred with the recent findings and urged consumers to get more involved, as banks are required by law to notify the account holder on any interest rate changes, the onus is therefore on the consumer to ensure that they are receiving what they believe to be a suitable and agreeable deal.