Dutch embassy in Thailand warns of terror threats at Full Moon parties, Loy Krathong

Dutch people in Thailand have been warned to avoid busy areas during the Loy Krathong festival, which coincides in some places with the all-night Full Moon beach parties. The Dutch embassy in Bangkok issued this warning.

According to the embassy, the festival and Full Moon parties at places like the island of Koh Phangan can lead to excessive crowds, and tense situations should an emergency arise. “Avoid these busy areas during this weekend. Be extra vigilant and always follow the instructions of the local authorities," the embassy said in a message to Dutch people in Thailand.

Thai media outlets had earlier reported that the Israeli authorities had warned Israeli people to remain vigilant in the country. This happened after it was reported that the Thai police had warned in internal documents of a plot to commit a terrorist attack on Israelis. The warning was mainly centered on the Full Moon party on Koh Phangan. According to Thai media outlets, the country’s safety authorities have stated that Koh Phangan is safe.

When asked whether the warning that the Dutch embassy issued in Thailand is related to the high number of Israeli tourists and fear of terrorist attacks, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by saying that they have been given clues to indicate that it could be very busy and tense situations could arise.

The ministry added that other countries have also issued the same advice that they are giving.