Irish citizens advised to avoid Bangkok airport

The Department of Foreign Affairs has warned Irish citizens in Thailand to avoid Bangkok international airport and government buildings as protests continue in the capital.

A small number of Irish travellers are trapped at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which has been taken over by anti-government demonstrators. The protestors have taken over the control tower, the Department has said, and departures have been suspended. Arrivals have been diverted to other airports in Thailand.

The Department has also advised Irish citizens to avoid the city's Parliament buildings, Government House and airport police headquarters as well as any demonstrations or large gatherings of people throughout
Bangkok.

It said there were four explosions in various areas of Bangkok this morning, including near the international airport and in the vicinity of Don Muang domestic airport.

"A number of people were injured and there remains the possibility of further violence," the Department said.

Brendan Barry, managing director of Discovery Travel has said some of his clients are already at the airport. He said they are in the departures section, which has not been caught up in the demonstrations, and there are no concerns for their safety.

The company, which specialises in Thai and Vietnamese holidays, is keeping a close eye on the situation and has contacts on the ground, he said. He said the airport demonstrators all appear to wearing yellow, which is a sign of support fro the King and are likely to be peaceful.

"We are fairly hopeful the situation will be resolved, the last protest took less than 24 hours to clear," he said.

He said the company is also helping travellers planning to visit Bangkok to make alternative arrangements on a case by case basis.

A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said the Irish consul in Bangkok is advising Irish citizens on the ground.

He said anyone planning to travel to Bangkok should check with their airline carrier or tour operator for alternatives.