Philippines not discounting travel ban to Thailand

After issuing a travel advisory on Thailand, the Philippines indicated Tuesday it is not discounting a travel ban if the situation there grows worse. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Eduardo Malaya said they are continuously monitoring and analyzing the situation in Thailand, where a state of emergency is in effect.

On Monday, the DFA issued a travel advisory to Filipinos in Thailand, urging them to stay indoors and cautioning against making unnecessary travel there.

Filipinos who are already in Thailand are told to take extra precautions and avoid public places where rallies could take place. Malaya cited reports from Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Antonio Rodriguez that no Filipino there has been injured or affected so far.

He said there are some 10,000 Filipinos in Thailand, most of them gaining Thai citizenship or becoming permanent residents. Many Filipinos there are professionals and factory workers.

Protests Restarted in Thailand

Bangkok has witnessed the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) since 26 March, 2009, that led to the occupation or obstructing of a handful of government compounds, including the Government House area, which houses a number of cabinet offices, and the outside of the Si Sao Thewes home, which is the residence of Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, President of the Privy Council. On April 9, some of the protesters went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, head office of the Democratic Party, and the Constitutional Court. Some certain areas in Bangkok; such as, Victory Monument and the surrounding vicinity remain closed by the protesters. Police and security officials have exercised utmost restraint at all times in handling these disturbances, and will continue to do so.

All relevant authorities have clearly stated that Thailand will remain under civilian rule. Such events are not unusual from time to time in any democratic system that permits the right to protest under its constitution. There has been no significant disruption to life and business in the capital beyond added traffic congestion in a few areas. Almost the entire key tourist sites in Bangkok and nationwide are completely unaffected. Hotels and other travel-related infrastructure and services, including all airports, train services throughout the country, and roadways are operating as normal.

Tourists and experts in Bangkok should avoid the following areas: Chamai Maruchet Bridge, Government house, and outside the Si Sao Thewes area. Public utilities and communication services operate uninterrupted, contrary to reports of possible disruptions. To ease any concern that foreign visitors may have in traveling to Thailand, the Thai authorities concerned have stepped up measures to ensure their safety and to facilitate their travel, both to and within the country.