Britons urged to avoid Bangkok

Thai authorities are facing further unrest in Bangkok after the
eruption of violence prompted the UK Foreign Office to warn against
travel to the capital.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has declared a state of emergency, ordering soldiers and armoured vehicles on to the streets.

Dozens
of men furiously smashed cars thought to be carrying the prime minister
as he fled the interior ministry after making the emergency decree.

They used poles, a ladder and even flower pots to smash the cars as nearby police in riot gear stood by doing nothing.

The Foreign Office urged anyone considering a trip to the capital or its surrounding areas to "urgently review their plans".

British
ambassador to Thailand Quinton Quayle said: "As the situation is so
volatile we are advising British travellers thinking of coming to
Bangkok to urgently review their travel plans.

"British
residents and visitors to Bangkok are advised to avoid any areas where
demonstrations are taking place and to stay indoors as far as possible."

Advice
on the FCO website read: "In view of the deteriorating security
situation anyone considering going to Bangkok should urgently review
their plans.

"British residents in, and
visitors to, Bangkok are advised to avoid any areas where
demonstrations are taking place and to stay indoors as far as possible."

The FCO estimates that 40,000 British nationals live in Thailand.