Thailand army allows full-moon party on Koh Phangan despite still being under curfew

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Thailand army allows full-moon party on Koh Phangan despite still being under curfew

By Natalie Paris
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The Thai military has agreed to let a full-moon party go ahead next week and is under pressure from tourism officials to lift the nightly curfew it imposed in other parts in the country.

A nationwide curfew was imposed following a military coup on May 22. It initially took effect between 10pm to 5am but was later shortened to between midnight and 4am. It was lifted on Tuesday in three beach resorts that the military deemed peaceful and free from political protests - Phuket, Koh Samui and Pattaya.

Now the Tourism Authority of Thailand will ask if similar exemptions can be made in destinations including Krabi, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phangna, Khao Lak and Koh Chang.

Koh Phangan, a Gulf Coast island adjacent to Koh Samui is currently still under a curfew, although a full-moon party set for June 12 on Haad Rin beach has been allowed to take place following a request from tourist officials.

Travellers in the popular beach resort of Phuket may now stay out as long as they wish, but streets and beaches there remain quiet.

"The island is now noticeably quieter than usual – even for low-season," said Lee Cobaj. "The impact of the coup and after-effects of the curfew are now having a major impact. Everywhere is open as usual but there the atmosphere is distinctly downbeat."

Visitor numbers to Thailand dropped by 10 per cent in May, although Thailand's tourist officials say arrivals from British tourists increased by around 5 per cent in the first quarter of this year, despite the ongoing unrest.

Bangkok has been hardest hit, with travellers tempted to minimise their time in the capital. The midnight to 4am curfew will remain in the city for the time being, to the disappointment of the hospitality industry.

Some five-star hotel owners told Lee Cobaj that they were running at about 30 per cent occupancy. "They've also had to close some of their restaurants as they just can't fill them," she said.

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British tourists traveling to Thailand have been advised by the Foreign Office to be wary about making political statements in public.

Some local protestors have begun adopting a three-fingered salute as a sign of protest against the coup, which is similar to that used by characters in the film The Hunger Games.

The UK Foreign Office's website advises: "It is illegal to criticise the coup and you should be wary of making political statements in public. Some anti-coup demonstrations are taking place in Bangkok and some other cities. These could become violent.

"You should exercise extreme caution and remain alert to the situation. If you're in any doubt about your safety, stay in your accommodation."

Authorities have advised that the curfew does not apply to those travelling to or from airports.

Britons have also been advised to check their travel insurance policy. Malcolm Tarling, a spokesman for the Association of British Insurers, said: "It is essential to double check as I have seen some policies that say they will not cover for any claim arising out of war, military action or civil unrest.

"Insurers don't want to lose customers though. No-one wants to see a claim being filed because someone required medical attention, so speak to them first."

The Telegraph, London

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