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The United States is recommending American travelers be cautious in Thailand after a coup by the Thai military ousted the country's prime minister.
Britain, Japan, Australia and Canada also advised citizens to be careful in the Thai capital of Bangkok, where tanks surrounded government offices, and to avoid political rallies or concentrations of military personnel. The U.S. Embassy in Thailand, in a statement on it Web site, said while there had been no reports of violence in the coup, Americans should "monitor the situation closely, avoid any large gatherings and exercise discretion when moving about the city." "At this point, we are not advising Americans to leave Thailand; however, Americans planning to travel to Thailand may wish to carefully consider their options before traveling until the situation becomes clearer," said the embassy. Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin, who seized Thailand's government in the quick and bloodless coup, said he will act as prime minister for two weeks until a new leader is chosen by a special council and that elections will be held in 200. His ouster of Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who had been accused of corruption and was a politically divisive and controversial leader, has been strongly supported by Thailand's revered king. Britain's Foreign Office, in a notice on its Web site, warned movement in the capital may be restricted because of the imposition of martial law that followed the coup. Japan, France and Singapore issued similar notices through their Foreign Ministries that urged nationals to remain in "safe" locations in the capital and avoid places that could be a flashpoint for violence, such as government buildings. New Zealand tourists to Thailand were cautioned to be careful when moving around the city. The Canadian Foreign Ministry said the unstable situation could continue for a few more days "and the potential for violent confrontations exists." In Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the situation in Thailand as "peaceful overall" and said it had no plans to issue an advisory against visiting the country. Taiwanese tourists in Thailand, however, were advised to "mind their safety," ministry spokesman Michel Lu said. Meanwhile, flag carrier Thai Airways International said the coup had not disrupted its domestic or international flights. The new Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok would also open as planned on Sept. 28, said Somchai Sawasdeepon of the Airports of Thailand. The Thailand Open tennis tournament, slated to begin Sept. 23 and run through Oct. 1, would also begin on schedule, organizers said. "The Thailand Open organizing committee assures players, officials and visitors that Thailand remains a safe and peaceful country, and we warmly welcome you," Brian Marcar, vice chairman of the ATP Thailand Open Organizing Committee, said in a statement.
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