BANGKOK, 10 January 2014 (NNT) – More than 40 countries have issued or upheld travel warnings for Thailand ahead of the planned mass protests starting from January 13, suggesting travelers stay well clear of demonstration sites or avoid traveling to the kingdom altogether.

The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait were the latest to issue travel warnings, urging their citizens and residents not to travel to Thailand due to the tense political situation. The UAE authorities have called on all citizens to heed the warnings until the situation could be further assessed.

The Kuwaiti ambassador in Thailand, meanwhile, announced that all Kuwaiti nationals in Thailand should leave the country immediately or prior to January 13. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also set up a 24-hour hotline to handle inquiries regarding the protest in Bangkok.

The Chinese embassy has also warned its citizens to arrive early for flights on Sunday and Monday and to contact the embassy if they are in need of protection or other assistance.

The United Nations has, meanwhile, closed its main office in Bangkok for safety reasons.

News source: NNT

Correspondent: Orapa Chueyprasit
Rewriter: Suvicha Jirakittikul