Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has warned Thai nationals to avoid protest sites in Europe and postpone non-essential trips to areas affected by unrest, particularly in France, Italy and Spain, as demonstrations continue to raise safety concerns.
Sihasak urged Thais planning to travel to Europe to monitor the situation closely, check the latest announcements from the Foreign Ministry and Thai embassies and exercise caution as events could change rapidly.
He said the situation in France remains tense, particularly in Paris, where demonstrations have turned violent.
French President Emmanuel Macron had held meetings in an effort to restore calm, enforce the law and provide assistance to those affected, he said.
The unrest has spread to other European countries, including Italy, where protests in Milan over the cost of living, employment and education have prompted the government to convene an emergency Cabinet meeting.
Demonstrations have also taken place in Spain, while Portugal and Belgium are among the other countries being monitored, Sihasak said.
The situation in Milan forced Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to propose the postponement of his talks with Sihasak until the following day. Sihasak said that the postponement is regrettable because there are several issues he wants to discuss with his Italian counterpart.
He said he has instructed Thai ambassadors in European countries affected by demonstrations to monitor developments and to look after Thai nationals. Thai embassies have been instructed to advise citizens to follow official announcements.
He said no Thai nationals had been directly affected by the unrest at the time of his remarks. The advisories are precautionary and do not amount to a blanket ban on travel.
Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Embassy in Athens has urged Thai residents and tourists to avoid demonstrations and surrounding areas in the Greek capital yesterday and today.
The embassy said student groups plan demonstrations in Syntagma (Constitution) Square to demand increased education funding and more assistance with study and living costs.
The embassy warned that demonstrations could spread to other areas and advised Thai nationals to stay away from the affected locations and monitor local developments.
The Department of Consular Affairs at Thailand’s foreign ministry issued a separate advisory yesterday for Thai nationals living in Europe and those planning to travel there, citing demonstrations and riots in several areas and the possibility that unrest could spread.
It urges Thai nationals to follow announcements from local authorities and Thai embassies or consulates, ensure their passports and other important documents remain valid and to avoid protest sites.
Travellers are also advised to register their accommodation and whereabouts in advance through the Thai Consular Assistance (TCA) system.
The department urges Thai nationals who encounter problems to contact the nearest Thai embassy or consulate for assistance and to check official announcements for the latest travel advice.
Main photo: Inhabitants use a fire extinguisher on burning trashes near Oberkampf metro station at Place de la Republique following an unauthorised demonstration, central Paris, on October 18.//AFP
