23 countries issue special travel advice on Thailand

23 countries issue special travel advice on Thailand

Twenty-three countries have issued special travel advice urging citizens visiting Thailand to be cautious, but protest leaders insist their actions will not damage tourism and are offering to explain their cause to international observers.

Anti-government protesters take control of Ratchadamnoen Avenue, an area many countries suggested their citizens to avoid. (Photo by Thanarak Khoonton)

The Foreign Ministry on Tuesday unveiled a survey of 68 countries, of which 23 are warning travellers about political protests in Thailand. 

The countries that have issued travel advisory notices include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore.

Only South Korea had updated information to its citizens on Tuesday, while the United States, France, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and China last amended their information for travellers on Monday, according to the ministry.

Most of the 23 countries have issued general warnings telling their citizens about ongoing political protests in Thailand, although a number have specified areas to be avoided, including the US which suggests Americans should be careful near government agencies. Brazil has cautioned its nationals against visiting the Grand Palace and areas surrounding protest rallies at Democracy Monument.

Diplomats from 56 countries and representatives of six international organisations were at the ministry on Tuesday for a briefing on the political situation after the government decided to impose the Internal Security Act (ISA) across all districts of Bangkok and Nonthaburi. Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan and Lat Lum Kaeo district of Pathum Thani have also been placed under the act.

Sihasak Phuangketkao, permanent secretary for foreign affairs, told the diplomats why the ISA had been invoked and urged them not to alarm potential visitors to the country by making sure any travel advisory statements are factually correct.

Mr Sihasak said the 23 countries that have issued travel warnings have not prohibited citizens from visiting Thailand, but merely told travellers to avoid protest locations.

Protest spokesman Akanat Promphan said the rallies would not deter tourists from coming to Thailand since they are being help peacefully without weapons.

He said protesters will not try to shut down Suvarnabhumi airport to force government out of office. The airport is in Bang Phli, which is already under the ISA.

Mr Akanat called on other countries and international organisations including the United Nations to observe the protests.

Protest leaders are ready to explain the need to bring to an end to the 'Thaksin regime' to help them understand the situation, he added.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (25)