Asia-Pacific News

China issues Thailand travel warning (Roundup)

Apr 14, 2009, 9:36 GMT

   Beijing - China issued a travel warning for Thailand, advising Chinese travelers to avoid protest areas in the country, state media reported Tuesday.

   The Foreign Ministry and National Tourism Administration urged Chinese travelers to postpone trips to Thailand, two days after Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and five surrounding provinces, the state-run China Daily reported Tuesday.

   Chinese citizens already in Thailand are being cautioned to stay away from the rioting.

   While officials say no Chinese tourists have been injured in the violence, a Chinese embassy official in Bangkok said they will be prepared if the situation worsens.

   'Thailand has had an unstable political situation in the past few years, so we already have a protocol in place for Chinese citizens if the riots escalate,' an embassy official, whose surname was given as Shi, told the China Daily.

   Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu, told reporters in Beijing that China was closely following the situation.

   'We sincerely hope Thailand maintains national stability, a harmonious society and economic development,' Jiang said.