Britons urged to reconsider Bangkok travel plans

Britons planning to travel to Bangkok should review their plans urgently, the Foreign Office said today, after the Thai Government declared a state of emergency in the capital.

Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Thai Prime Minister, announced the measure after anti-government protesters invaded the Asean Summit in thei resort town of Pattaya.

Bands of red-shirted protesters were today roaming areas of the capital, some smashing a car they believed was carrying the Prime Minister. Others beat up motorists who hurled insults at them, and commandeered public buses to try to block major roads. Armed soldiers and tanks have been deployed around Bangkok to combat the protests, after the Prime Minister’s declaration on state television this afternoon.

The state of emergency bans gatherings of more than five people and forbids reporting that is considered threatening to public order.

Advice on the British Foreign and Commonwealth office website read: “In view of the deteriorating security situation anyone considering going to Bangkok should urgently review their plans.

“British residents in, and visitors to, Bangkok are advised to avoid any areas where demonstrations are taking place and to stay indoors as far as possible.”

Protesters believe that the Prime Minister took power illegitimately, and are demanding new elections on the grounds that the military, judiciary and other unelected officials are undermining democracy by interfering in politics. They have been rallying near Government House in central Bangkok since March 26.