Thailand travel warning amid turmoil

Warnings to New Zealanders travelling to Thailand have been updated following clashes between pro and anti-government protesters and a declaration of a state of emergency in Bangkok.

At least one protester has been killed and dozens injured as police moved against anti-government protesters manning makeshift razor wire barricades and occupying state buildings and the prime minister's office compound.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej declared a state of emergency yesterday and gave the army control of public order.

Under the sweeping emergency powers announced on television and radio, all public gatherings in the capital were banned and restrictions imposed on media reports that "undermined public security".

New Zealand's Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry yesterday updated its advice to travellers, saying "Although we are not currently advising against travel to Thailand, we reiterate our advice that New Zealanders should avoid all demonstrations and comply with any restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities."

New Zealand's ambassador to Thailand urged Kiwis to register with the ministry's Safetravel website.

Australia advised their citizens to "exercise a high degree of caution".

Singapore and South Korea have gone further, advised their citizens not to travel to Thailand at all, according to news agency Associated Press.

This has raised concerns that the ongoing political crisis could damage the country's crucial tourist economy. Tourism revenues make up 6.5 percent of Thailand's GDP

- © Fairfax NZ News