By Cynthia Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 17:44:00 05/15/2010


MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a new travel advisory on Thailand, asking Filipinos not to visit that country at this time in view of the escalating violence in the Thai capital.

“The Department has strongly advised Filipinos to postpone non-essential travels to Thailand, particularly the capital city Bangkok,” the DFA advisory said.

“Filipinos who are already in Thailand are also advised to avoid all areas where anti-government rallyists continue to congregate and stage their protests,” it added.

At least 10 people were killed while about 110 people, including security personnel, were injured in clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces in the Thai capital Friday, online reports said.

The latest violence erupted after the Center for Resolution of Emergency Situation announced that it would keep up the pressure on 'red-shirt' protesters to end their rally.

The protests in the Thai capital started March 12 and the Rathchaprason Intersection in central Bangkok is the main rally site.

Bangkok has been under emergency law since April 7 when the members of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship protest took an aggressive turn by invading the parliament building.

Thai troops Friday secured roads around a protest site in the heart of Bangkok in their ongoing crackdown on a two-month demonstration that has led to the loss of 30 lives.

The protests are aimed at forcing the government to dissolve parliament and hold new elections.

I came back here in Bangkok from the Philippines last May 10 with my mother and nephew. On passing through the immigration, they did not even say any warning about going to Thailand. Still there are many passengers in the plane together with us.

Best is to avoid those red zone areas and be safe.

softrock wrote:
I came back here in Bangkok from the Philippines last May 10 with my mother and nephew. On passing through the immigration, they did not even say any warning about going to Thailand. Still there are many passengers in the plane together with us.

Best is to avoid those red zone areas and be safe.

On the other hand I heard from some Filipinos who are here for a business trip that their other companions who are VIPs were sent back to Philippines upon arriving at the airport here in Thailand.

But you are right Ms Softrock. Better stay safe by keeping away from the hot zones.

For those who will be here only for pleasure trip and walang kakilala dito mas mabuti talaga huwag na muna pumunta dito. One way to be safe is to know the areas to be avoided.

Sino daw po Master J ang nagpauwi sa mga VIPs? yung sa side ng Pinas or dito sa Thailand?

Urgent: If you are in Bangkok, or have family and friends within the city. Notify them of this map: http://bit.ly/d4xiPi

Sir here is the screen cap of the map for quick reference. However, if you wanted to get more specifics please kindly click the link that sir Keyser posted. Thanks!

Sorry medyo blurred. But you can click the photo for a bigger view.

softrock wrote:
For those who will be here only for pleasure trip and walang kakilala dito mas mabuti talaga huwag na muna pumunta dito. One way to be safe is to know the areas to be avoided.

Sino daw po Master J ang nagpauwi sa mga VIPs? yung sa side ng Pinas or dito sa Thailand?

From Philippines Ms Softrock.

Around 8pm yesterday at near Ramkhamheng university (soi 51) the "red shirts" gathered and tried to stay in the area but police manage to blocked the area...early morning I pass at the area all were cleared out... buti na lang napaalis sila.. now ramkhamheng surprisingly a little quite road... cars can be counted only... I hope it will not get worse...

I also watched news that Big C ladprao was also occupied by the "reds shirts"...

ingat na lang po tayo... i hope after working later when i go home still at normal situation...

Thanks Master J and keyser_soze for the map. It is really a great help to be safe for all of us who are in Bangkok.

Ingat po tayong lahat..

Ongbak wrote:
Around 8pm yesterday at near Ramkhamheng university (soi 51) the "red shirts" gathered and tried to stay in the area but police manage to blocked the area...early morning I pass at the area all were cleared out... buti na lang napaalis sila.. now ramkhamheng surprisingly a little quite road... cars can be counted only... I hope it will not get worse...

I also watched news that Big C ladprao was also occupied by the "reds shirts"...

ingat na lang po tayo... i hope after working later when i go home still at normal situation...




Thanks for the updates Sir Ongbak. It's always not a bad thing to be vigilant and be prepared especially with what's going on around us.

Again please be reminded of the advisories and the important contact numbers that you need to know. And please read this thread.