MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government is discouraging Filipinos from traveling to Thailand amid the ongoing political unrest, an official said today.
Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said the Thai government has likewise issued a "request" to the public to stay at home in the wake of current political developments in Bangkok.
Around 30,000 protesters have been staging mass demonstrations in Bangkok, demanding Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down.
"We ask the Filipino community in Thailand to heed the request of the Thai government and for our nationals to refrain from non essential travel to Thailand at this time," Hernandez said in a text message.
"Our embassy is in touch with our kababayans there and is closely monitoring the political situation in Bangkok," he said.
Filipinos asked to defer non-essential travel to Thailand amid unrest
An Anti-government protester waves Thai National Flag under water cannon fired by police during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Dec. 2, 2013. After a weekend of chaos in pockets of Bangkok, protesters vowed to push ahead with plans to topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra by occupying her office compound along with other key government buildings. Police again used tear gas on thousands of protesters on Monday after repeatedly driving them back with similar attacks throughout Sunday. AP/Vincent Thian