RAPPLER | Brace for evacuation, Pinoys in Bangkok told

BY PATERNO ESMAQUEL II
POSTED ON 01/23/2014 2:30 PM | UPDATED 01/23/2014 4:08 PM


DEFIANCE. Thai anti-government protesters are seen during a mass march as part of their Bangkok Shutdown rally at a major business district in Bangkok, Thailand, 21 January 2014. All photos by Nico Sepe/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines on Thursday, January 23, advised its nationals in Bangkok, Thailand to prepare for possible evacuation after the Philippine government raised crisis alert level 2 in the Thai city under a state of emergency.

“Under alert level 2, Filipinos in Bangkok and the surrounding areas are instructed to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places, and prepare for evacuation,” the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

The DFA issues this alert level “when there are real threats to the life, security, and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance or external threat.”

“While there has been an effort to maintain a state of normalcy in the Thai capital, the situation remains fluid and volatile particularly in anti-government protest areas.” the DFA explained.

State of emergency

The Philippine embassy gave the following precautions to Filipinos who have “essential travel plans” to Bangkok, or those who live there as well as other parts of Thailand:

“To avoid the rally sites and large gatherings”; and to “refrain from taking part in the protest or other political activities”

“Everyone is advised to continue exercising extreme caution and vigilance and to closely monitor developments,” the DFA said. “The Philippine embassy is ready to extend necessary assistance to all Filipino nationals in Thailand.”

Last January 14, the DFA already raised alert level one over Bangkok. This meant Filipinos there should “exercise vigilance and take necessary precautions.”

Thailand declared a 60-day state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas on Tuesday, January 21, in the face of protests aiming to overthrow the government.

Thai protesters have vowed to defy the state of emergency.

 – With reports from Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com