Those considering visiting Thailand have been advised not to travel to Bangkok by the Foreign Office and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), due to the extreme risk of violence.

A curfew has been imposed in Bangkok and in 23 other provinces. The Australian Embassy in Thailand has closed to visitors from May 17th 2010 until further notice, due to ongoing violent clashes in central Bangkok – including in front of the Embassy.

Visitors already in Bangkok are advised to stay indoors, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities. Those without essential business should consider departing the country if it is safe to do so.

At this stage there are no reports of civil disturbances affecting the operations of Suvarnabhumi International Airport. DFAT advises those intending to visit to reconsider their need to travel to Thailand, due to the deterioration in the security environment caused by widening political unrest and civil disorder.

The Thai authorities have intensified military operations around a cordoned area in central Bangkok and heavy fighting is likely. There is a growing risk of violence breaking out elsewhere in Bangkok as news of the surrender of the leaders of the Red Shirts spreads.

Tourists should avoid any protest sites, demonstrations or military cordons and exercise extreme caution due to the strong possibility of further violence.

travelbite.co.uk staff

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