Bangkok visitors advised to stay inside on election day
Tourists in Bangkok are being advised to stay in their hotels on Sunday, when Thailand will hold a national election.
In its updated advice, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said following protests and some violence last week, when polling stations opened for advanced voting, further unrest is expected on the election day.
"On 2 February there are likely to be protests at polling locations and some of these could turn violent," it said.
"Be alert to the situation, avoid all protests, and if you’re in any doubt about your safety on 2 February, stay in your accommodation."
It also advised visitors to take extra care and avoid all protests, political gatherings, demonstrations and marches, and to allow extra time if travelling to and from the airport.
The Thai authorities have set up a Tourist’s Friend Centre to provide help and information for tourists.
Offices are located at the Sport Authority of Thailand in the Bangkapi district of Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, four BTS Skytrain stations (Siam, Phya Thai, Ekkamai and Wong Wian Yai) and Hua Lampong MRT station.
You can also contact the Tourist’s Friend Centre by telephone on +66 (0)2 314 1212 (in English – 24 hours).
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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