S'poreans advised against travel to Thailand's Pattaya
By Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 11 April 2009 1904 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Singaporeans have been advised to postpone travel to the Thai beach resort of Pattaya if they do not have a pressing need to be there.

The travel advisory by Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs comes after the Thai government cancelled a summit of Asian leaders on Saturday after anti-government protesters stormed the venue of the meeting at the resort.

The Thai government also imposed a state of emergency in Pattaya but lifted it later Saturday.

Singaporeans should register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.mfa.gov.sg if they decide to travel to Pattaya, so that the ministry and the Singapore Embassy in Bangkok can give them assistance in case of emergencies.

Singaporeans already there are advised to monitor the local news in Pattaya during this period of uncertainty.

They are also advised to avoid areas where there is a risk of disturbance and be prepared to face inconveniences in their travel.

The ministry says it encourages all Singaporeans travelling abroad to purchase medical and travel insurance.

Singaporeans who need assistance in Thailand can contact the embassy at 001-66-(81) 844-3580 or 001-66-(2) 286-2111.

The embassy is located at 129, South Sathorn Road in Bangkok.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy are monitoring the situation closely.

- CNA/ir