Foreign Office issues further travel warnings for Thailand

Britons have been issued with additional warnings against travelling to Thailand as the violence in Bangkok threatens to spiral out of control.

The latest incident, which saw one soldier die, came after red-shirt anti-government protestors attempted to move from their inner-city base at Rajprasong to a northern market. The death brings the total toll to 27 with over 1,000 injured in the month-long stand-off which shows no signs of abating.

The Foreign Office has declared that all but absolutely essential travel to Thailand should be avoided as fears grow that conflict will spread to other areas of the country in addition to the capital. Skirmishes over the past few days in regional cities have only added weight to the concerns.

Last week, a series of bomb blasts around the popular expat destination of Silom Road and Patpong resulted in thousands of army troops moving in to the financial and shopping hub of the city. The streets, normally teeming with shoppers and businessmen, are now empty save for razor-wire and nervous soldiers fully armed in combat gear.

Britons already in Thailand have been urged by the Foreign Office to remain indoors and keep a close watch on media reports. The Foreign Office will issue regular updates on the situation. Travel to Bangkok is to be avoided as many of the protest sites lie along routes from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city centre.

Rail services are also under serious threat as the demonstrations between red-shirts and pro-government supporters become increasingly tense. The red-shirts have imposed their own road-blocks and ID checks which in turn has caused outrage amongst law-abiding citizens, with further conflict almost assured.