Filipinos in Thailand urged to stay indoors amid street protests

MANILA, Philippines - As massive protests continue to erupt in Thailand, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cautioned all Filipinos against making unnecessary travel to the Southeast Asian country.

"It is urged that non-essential and non-urgent travels to Bangkok and the surrounding provinces be postponed until the current political tensions subside," the DFA said in a statement.

Filipinos who are already in Thailand are told to take extra precautions and avoid public places where rallies could take place.

Thousands of anti-government protesters calling for the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva last Saturday barged into a Pattaya hotel that was hosting the 14th Asean summit. The meeting of 16 Asean leaders, including Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, was subsequently cancelled.

Last Sunday, the Thai government arrested the leader of the red-shirted demonstrators, Arisman Pongruengrong. He was then taken into custody and detained at the headquarters of Thailand's Border Patrol Police.

Thailand’s political tension has simmered since former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was removed by a military coup in 2006. Thaksin opponents marched last year to remove Thaksin's allies from power, even shutting down the country's main international airport for about a week in November.

After a court ordered the removal of the previous pro-Thaksin government, Abhisit was appointed by Parliament in December — prompting Thaksin supporters to take their grievance to the streets. - Mark Joseph Ubalde, GMANews.TV

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