September 19, 200620 yr The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Australia advises citizens to avoid Thailand Australia urged citizens not to travel to Thailand following a bloodless coup last night. Staff at the Australian embassy in Bangkok have been told not to send their children to school until the situation was clarified. "In light of the very uncertain political situation and apparent military-led takeover of the government, we strongly advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Thailand until the situation is clarified," the Department of Foreign Affairs website said. Australians in Thailand Should Exercise Extreme Caution "You should avoid concentrations of military personnel or military activity. You should avoid demonstrations and political rallies as they have the potential to turn violent. You should stay indoors, monitor the media, and follow the instructions of the local authorities," the website advised. Tim Fisher, chairman of the Australia-Thailand Institute and former deputy prime minister, said all Australians should take the travel advisory very seriously. "(It) has all the hallmarks of a back-to-the-future coup d'etat," Mr Fisher said. "I urge all people to follow closely the updated travel advisories which have been issued already, and will continue to be updated as further information comes to hand." New Zealand warned its citizens in Thailand to avoid government buildings and large crowds, but issued no travel advice. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman Brad Tattersfield said New Zealanders in Bangkok should exercise caution, respect any curfew and stay within tourist areas.
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