Warnings stepped up for travellers to Israel and Thailand

Tourists warned of bus attacks in Israel - as Thai authorities step up drug-testing

Simon Calder
Friday 30 January 2015 08:27 GMT
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Tourists warned to avoid travelling on buses in Tel Aviv
Tourists warned to avoid travelling on buses in Tel Aviv

British visitors to Israel have been warned not to use the buses in the country’s largest city, Tel Aviv.

Overnight, the Foreign Office updated its travel bulletin to advise “against the use of the bus system in the greater Tel Aviv area”.

The FCO says this is because of “an ongoing risk of security incidents on public transport in Tel Aviv.”

On 21 January, a dozen people were wounded in a knife attack on a bus.

The new advice mirrors an existing warning against using public transport in Jerusalem.

The Foreign Office says: “There have been a number of security incidents on the Jerusalem Light Rail line north of Damascus Gate in recent months, including regular reports of stone throwing at the trams in Shu’afat. The trams in this area often have police escorts.”

In Thailand, backpackers have been warned that the authorities may demand urine samples from travellers in spot-checks to detect drug taking.

Australia’s foreign ministry says: “Under Thai law, the authorities have the right to demand urine samples from individuals suspected of taking illegal drugs.”

The Foreign Office warns: “Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment. If you are found guilty of being in possession of marijuana you are likely to receive a long prison sentence and a heavy fine.”

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