43 countries warn nationals about visiting Thailand during political turmoil

BANGKOK, April 9 (TNA) – Embassies of 43 countries in Bangkok have issued warnings to their citizens planning to visit Thailand after the government declared a state of emergency in the capital and nearby provinces during the political standoff, Mr Prakit Piriyakiet, deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said on Friday.

The embassies of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Latvia and Spain have increased their security warning to the highest alert level, recommending their citizens not to travel to Thailand.

Meanwhile, nationals of Russia, Romania, the Philippines, Taiwan, Laos, Hong Kong, Singapore, Greece, Poland and China who intended to visit the country are advised to reconsider their travel plans and to take high precautions.

The British, Belgian, German, Irish, Canadian, Hungarian, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, Australian, New Zealand, Israeli, Cambodian, Malaysian and Ukrainian embassies also warned their people to avoid high-risk areas.

Nationals of France, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Finland, Brazil, the US, Slovakia, Japan, Macao, Bulgaria and Portugal were advised to be especially cautious and avoid zones considered unsafe, especially demonstration areas, and to pay close attention to public information sources.

All 43 embassies urged their nationals to exercise high caution and to be alert in their movements around Bangkok as well as surrounding provinces.

The anti-government Red Shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) has staged a continuing rally since March 13, and gradually intensified its political moves.

Currently the protesters remain at protest venues, Phan Fa bridge and Ratchaprasong intersection.

Due to the escalating protest, including the April 7th invasion of Parliament, the government invoked an emergency decree with an attempt to restore peace. (TNA)