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Thailand's Coup Prompts Travel Warnings by U.K., U.S.

Bangkok, 20 September 2006,The U.S., British, Australian and other governments issued travel alerts following the military coup in Thailand, warning their citizens to avoid visiting the country and exercise caution if already there.

Thailand's military and police leaders said they seized power in a coup overnight, ousting Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was attending the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

``In the light of the very uncertain political situation and apparent military-led takeover of the government, we strongly advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Thailand,'' Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement posted on its Web site.

Citizens already there should exercise ``extreme caution'' and avoid ``concentrations of military personnel or military activity,'' the statement added.

The U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok both advised citizens to avoid large crowds and monitor the news.

``The situation in Thailand remains uncertain,'' said Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement and told its citizens in the country to ``avoid areas where there is risk of disturbance.''

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan appealed to the people of Thailand to ``remain calm.''

`Solid Democracy'

``Over the past decade or so, they have established a solid democracy and institutions under the leadership of the king, and I'm sure they will be able to restore that institution and go back to a democratic system as soon as possible,'' Annan told Cable News Network in New York yesterday, according to the UN.

The coup is a ``great disappointment,'' said Australian Prime Minister John Howard. ``I condemn military coups and they are a throwback to the past I had hoped Asia had emerged from.''

The coup is ``regrettable,'' said Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe, who appealed to Thailand to ``return to democratic rule.''

Japanese nationals in Thailand should ``stay in their homes and hotels,'' the Foreign Ministry said on its Web site and advised against traveling there unless ``absolutely necessary.''

Canadian Foreign Minister Peter MacKay said in a statement his government is ``deeply concerned'' by the developments. ``We urge a peaceful solution to this crisis in conformity with the country's constitution.''

Potential for Violence

Canada's Foreign Ministry said there is a ``potential for violent confrontation'' in Thailand and warned citizens to stay away from the Sanam Luang area of the capital, Bangkok, where many government offices are located.

Thailand must ``revert to democratic order without delay,'' said Finland's Prime Minister and current European Union President Matti Vanhanen in a statement.

``We wish Thailand will find harmony and peace,'' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang in a statement posted on the ministry's Web site. China won't interfere in Thailand's ``internal affairs,'' Qin said.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark condemned the military coup and called for the restoration of democracy, according to a statement e-mailed to Bloomberg News.

New Zealanders should delay travel to Thailand, if possible, until the situation is clear, Clark said. Those already in the country should ``exercise caution,'' she said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ed Johnson in Sydney at ejohnson28@bloomberg.net .

Source: bloomberg.com

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