The Royal Thai Embassy in Bangladesh has warned Thai citizens to exercise caution and avoid government offices and important venues in Dhaka and other major cities prone to political protests following violent clashes that, so far, have claimed at least four lives and injured scores of people.
Burning vehicles, set on fire by opposition demonstrators, are pictured during violent protests in Dhaka on Jan 6. Bangladesh police that day arrested the deputy leader of the country's main opposition party over accusations that he incited a series of violent protests by supporters, a senior officer said. (AFP photo)
The embassy on Wednesday issued its first warning on the political tension in Bangladesh following sporadic violence between anti-government demonstrators and the government forces in several cities that killed four and injured 161.
The violence followed street protests by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its 20 allies against the Jan 5 general elections. The government had reacted by confining BNP Khaleda Zia to her office. This prompted Ms Zia to call on her supporters to besiege roads, trains, highways, railways and naval routes to put pressure on the government to hold fresh polls.
As the situation has become increasingly tense, the embassy warned Thais to closely monitor the situation and exercise extra caution when travelling. They were asked to avoid Government House, major government offices, political party offices, educational institutes, business areas in Dhaka and major cities. If there is no necessity for travel, they were told to stay in their accommodations during the protests and ensure that they have sufficient food and drinking water during the protest period.
In case of emergency, Thai nationals can contact the embassy via telephone at +88 (02) 8812795, +88 (02) 8812796 Ext 101 and 107, +88 (01) 681792262 or by e-mail at thaidac@mfa.go.th.