The Department of Foreign Affairs has urged Irish citizens intending to travel to Bangkok to closely monitor the situation following the declaration of a state of emergency there today.
Thailand’s prime minister Samak Sundaravej declared a state of emergency and gave the army control of public order following rioting in Bangkok.
The state of emergency follows more than 100 days of street protests by an anti-government group which accuses Mr Samak of being an illegitimate proxy of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now living in exile in London after skipping bail on graft charges last month.
Public gatherings of more than five people in Bangkok have now been banned.
In a statement on its website, the Department of Foreign Affairs asked Irish citizens to monitor media reports on the implementation and operation of the state of emergency if they intended to travel.
It said visitors should exercise “extreme caution” in Bangkok and other areas of political unrest throughout Thailand and that they should avoid demonstrations, large groups and public gatherings, as well as Government buildings and state institutions.
“Ongoing political demonstrations in Bangkok by anti-government protesters have led to outbreaks of violence in the capital which have spread to other parts of Thailand. Within Bangkok, these clashes are particularly prevalent around Government House, Parliament Buildings and the Metropolitan Police headquarters.”
The Department said these “sporadic” clashes between protesters and local police involved the use of teargas.
"These clashes are becoming increasingly volatile, unpredictable and dangerous. Demonstrations have disrupted travel and blocked access to key buildings and roads, as well as some air and rail services.”
It also warned that further outbreaks of violence are possible.
“In other parts of Thailand, caution should be exercised as in Bangkok, and travellers should keep informed as to developments in regions across Thailand.”
Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi) is operating as normal, but some regional and secondary airports are closed or restricted, including at Phuket, Hat Yai and Krabi. Railway services in the north, north-east and south of Thailand are currently suspended, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
“Strike action by employees of the State Railway of Thailand is ongoing, and delays and cancellations are widespread. Seek local advice on alternative travel arrangements where possible.”
Updates are available on the Department’s website at http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx