Don't pack George Orwell, visitors to Thailand told

August 6, 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/thailand/11015375/Dont-pack-George-Orwell-visitors-to-Thailand-told.html

The warning can supposedly be found inside the in-flight magazine of Philippine Airlines and has been circulated on Twitter.

Passengers with Philippine Airlines are told that “Thailand is very safe for tourists” but are offered five tips to help “blend in”.

They include “carry your passport (or a copy) with you at all times”, “avoid wearing red t-shirts, which are association with a group opposed to the military government”, and “don’t carry George Orwell’s dystopian novel ‘1984’. You don’t want to be mistaken for an anti-coup protestor.”

The book has become a popular symbol of protest following the May coup, prompting an alleged crackdown by the country’s military regime. Demonstrators have been arrested for reading the novel, according to reports, while screenings of the film adaptation have been cancelled with organisers claiming they were intimidated by police.

But Twitter users have mocked the warning. “Don't breath in and out. You don't want to be mistaken for an anti-coup protester,” said one.

The Foreign Office makes no mention of the novel in its advice for Britons heading to Thailand, but warns: “It's illegal to criticise the coup and you should be wary of making political statements in public. You should monitor local news and social media for developments.

^{Demonstrators have been arrested for reading the novel, according to reports (Photo: Getty)}

“Over recent months there have been large-scale planned demonstrations, and spontaneous protests, in Bangkok and other cities,” it adds. “Some of these have turned violent. You should avoid any protests, political gatherings, demonstrations or marches.”

See www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand for more information