Filipinos warned vs non-essential travel to Thailand

In the wake of protest rallies being planned in Thailand starting this Friday, the Philippine government advised Filipinos Tuesday against non-essential travel there. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also advised Filipinos already in Thailand to steer clear of meeting and staging areas for the rallies. "In view of the protest rallies being planned in key areas of Bangkok starting Friday, 12 March 2010, and for the duration of the rallies, Filipinos are advised to postpone all non-essential travel to Thailand, specifically Bangkok," it said in its advisory. "Filipinos who are already in Thailand are advised to avoid areas that have been identified as meeting areas and staging areas for the rallyists," the DFA added. Authorities in Thailand are preparing tough security measures amid plans for a rally in Bangkok by supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Supporters of Thaksin plan to kick off their rallies in the provinces on March 12 before moving to Bangkok on March 14, merging in the historic heart of the capital. - KBK, GMANews.TV