Steer clear of Bangkok protests

Major anti-government demonstrations in central Bangkok have prompted the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to issue a warning to travellers.

Around 10,000 protestors are reported to be gathered in the centre of the Thai capital, in the region of Government House and in the prime minister's office compound.

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is demanding prime minister Samak Sundaravej resign, alleging he is too closely connected to disgraced former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Protestors have defied a court order, arrest warrants for their leaders and the deployment of 1,000 riot police since Monday.

So far the government has not ordered the removal of the demonstrators by force and the army has refused to get involved.

However, the FCO advises that travellers to Thailand should avoid the area and any other demonstrations or large gatherings of people in Bangkok.

Visitors should also keep themselves informed of developments.