MANAMA: Authorities in Bahrain have issued a travel warning advising Bahrainis not to travel to Thailand because of ongoing political turmoil.
Yusuf Ahmed, administration manager of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said people should avoid traveling to Thailand at all costs, unless absolutely necessary.
"We urge all Bahrainis currently in Thailand to contact the Kingdom of Bahrain's embassy. They should provide the mission with their addresses and contact numbers," said Ahmed.
The ministry has also set up a hotline for people with relatives in Thailand. "We are yet to determine the number of Bahrainis in Thailand," said Nizar Al-Baharna, minister of state for foreign affairs.
Bahrain's national carrier, Gulf Air, said flights to and from Bangkok were operating normally. It, however, advised customers to allow extra time for the journey to Bangkok airport.
Tensions became high in Thailand after anti-government protesters, reportedly loyal to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, stormed the venue of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Pattaya on Saturday. Their action led to Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva ordering a state of emergency.
