India advises its nationals in Thailand to be on alert

BANGKOK: India today joined over 20 countries in warning its nationals in Thailand to be cautious of the ongoing mass protests that has plunged the country into deep political chaos.

The Indian Embassy cautioned Indian tourists and residents to take usual precautions for personal safety and advised them to monitor the situation in Bangkok through media reports, tour operators and their hotels.

This is a notice to Indian nationals and not a travel advisory, Embassy sources told PTI.

Thailand is a top tourist destination for Indian tourists. The notice came in the wake of mass political protests that spread outside the capital today, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Supporters of opposition Democrat party have besieged major government buildings as they intensified their protests campaign against the Yingluck administration.

Except for traffic disruptions, daily life has not been affected by these protests. Hotels, businesses and shopping malls are open as usual.

Travellers coming from or going to airport have been advised to factor in additional one hour for travel to/from city in view of potential traffic jams, the notice on the Embassy website said.

The sources said the Embassy was constantly monitoring the situation and Indians would be regularly updated.

Over 20 countries, including the US, UK, France, China, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, have issued special travel advice urging their citizens visiting Thailand to be cautious.