In the wake of the devastating tsunami, Haili-Leanne Mchugh has been seeking out some of the latest travel advice

TOURISTS planning to travel to Thailand have been warned by the Foreign Office that 'all but essential travel should be avoided'.

Once-popular destinations such as Phuket and Khao Lak have been devastated by the disaster and are now out of bounds.

Although Phuket airport is still in operation, officials advise travellers to check with their tour operators immediately, as to whether it is safe to travel.

The tsunami has also raised fears on health care, with diseases such as cholera spreading from the drinking of stagnant water.

The World Health Organisation says that if people do decide to go ahead with their holiday, 'It is advised that those in affected areas purchase bottled water, as local water sources may be contaminated.'

Travellers wishing to go to Sri-Lanka, the Maldives and India are also advised to check with tour operators for advice.

The department of health recommends that people regularly check its website for information on health matters.

Most tour operators are still flying to the affected resorts, but are offering customers a full refund or holiday transfer.

However, one of the worst hit areas, the island of Phuket, has many hotels which are still open for business.

People wishing to travel to the popular beach resort of Kamala are being told to postpone their trip as there are few hotels still standing and most roads are still closed.

Many tourists have redirected their holidays to resorts along the Gulf of Thailand instead of the east coast, but hotels here are now so full that people are sleeping in tents or on the beach.

Locals and aid workers are desperately trying to clean up, as many hotels have promised, despite it being a mammoth task, that they will re-open in just a couple of weeks.

USEFUL NUMBERS

* For up to date information on travel and tourism advice call 0870 606 0290

* Tour operators will be able to give customers information about hotels:

* Airtours - 01706 909050

* Virgin Atlantic - 0970 5747747

* Information on disease and illness prevention can be found at the Department of Health website on www.dh. gov.uk