No. The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to southern provinces parts of Thailand, but these are a long way from the country's popular holiday resorts including Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui.

Is Thailand safe for western visitors?

Around 360,000 Britons visit Thailand every year, with the majority of trips trouble free. However, the Foreign Office warns visitors to be wary of taking drinks from strangers due to a number of incidents of drinks being drugged, and warns of a number of cases of sexual assault on foreign men and women.

Less serious crime includes overcharging for journeys by unlicensed taxis, which have black and white licence plates (licensed taxis have yellow and black licence plates).

In its guide to Thailand, Lonely Planet also warns of the dangers of leaving valuables in a hotel safe, with a number of incidents of theft reported in Chiang Mai guesthouses, and says several backpackers have recounted stories of theft on bus journeys between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

What about Koh Samui?

The Times correspondent Andrew Drummond filed this report from Lamai Beach in Koh Samui on January 3: "Koh Samui is packed out. It's New Year, the hotels are full and flights on to the island are very difficult to get on to. The popularity of the island has increased because it was not hit by tsunami last year. A lot of British holidaymakers are believed to have switched their holidays from Phuket to Koh Samui and so the authorities are very keen not to damage the island's reputation as an idyll.

"In fact, there is little known about Koh Samui. It's very popular with backpackers and tourists but a lot of mainland Thais regard it as a rather dangerous place and are reluctant to come on holiday here."

In a warning to visitors, the Koh Samui Tourism Association states: "Though exceptionally safe by world standards, like any tourist area Samui has its petty criminals. These individuals are most often present late at night, especially in some of the entertainment areas."

Have any other Britons been murdered in Thailand in recent years?

Six British nationals have been murdered in Thailand since August 2004. In a well-reported case in August 2000, 23-year-old graduate Kirsty Jones was sexually assaulted and murdered in Chiang Mai.

Is Thailand more dangerous for women?

Both the Foreign Office and Lonely Planet warn women to be vigilant when travelling alone in Thailand following incidents of drinks spiking, sexual assault and pick pocketing.

The Koh Samui Tourism Association is more specific in its advice for female visitors: "Women especially should not accept an invitation from a stranger to walk on the beach at night, no matter how attractive he or she may be."

Are there any local laws I should be aware of?

The Thai authorities stipulate that tourists carry their passport with them at all times and in some cases visitors have been arrested because they have been unable to produce their passport. Visitors should also be aware of the strict laws governing drugs. Possession of even a small amount of illegal drugs can lead to a lengthy prison sentence and a large fine.

Are there any other dangers for visitors?

An average 38 people are killed in motorbike accidents every day in Thailand according to the Foreign Office, with many tourists ignoring local laws that stipulate safety helmets must be worn. It also warns that in many cases tourists that have been involved in accidents have been unable to recoup costs from their travel insurer because motorbikes of under 50cc are not covered.

According to the Koh Samui Tourism Association, driving or riding on the back of a motorbike is "easily the most dangerous activity for visitors to the region".

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