Taiwanese intending to visit Thailand, and in particular Bangkok, should be on heightened alert as anti-government protests in the country could deteriorate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
As of Friday, the ministry has maintained its yellow travel alert for Thailand, meaning that tourists must be particularly cautious about their safety and even re-evaluate the necessity of traveling to the country.
Under the ministry’s four-color system, red represents the highest level of warning, signaling that travelers should avoid the affected area. Orange indicates travelers should take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel, with yellow one step below followed by gray.
Media reported more than two dozen protestors were injured after two explosions in the Thai capital yesterday.
The ministry said in a statement that the demonstrations, which began in November last year, have been held mainly near the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, as well as near the government offices and important transport routes.
The ministry added that the movement to shut down Bangkok, which was launched by protestors as a way to force Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down, has had a negative effect on the Thai government’s operations and the city’s transport system.
Protest sites include major intersections at its government building Chaeng Watthana as well as at Ladprao and Lumpini.
Roads near stations of the Bangkok Mass Transit System, including Siam, Chitlom, Victory Monument and Asok have also been occupied by protestors.
According to the foreign ministry, the Thai Ministry of Transport has assessed that the protest has disrupted more than 150 roads, adding that the mass transit system, seaport, the airport railway, one freeway and the public bus system have been also been affected by the protests.
“Demonstrations could take place in downtown Bangkok as well as in other places in Thailand at short notice. Travelers should monitor the information of new rally points and avoid going to those places. They should also avoid wearing red or yellow shirts,” the ministry said.
Additional reporting by CNA
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