Palace urges Pinoys in Thailand to restrict movements

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos are told to restrict their movements in Thailand which is currently under martial law but there is no travel ban, Malacañang said yesterday.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is closely monitoring the situation, as President Aquino had ordered them to make sure that the safety of our overseas Filipino workers there will be paramount. And hopefully, the tension in Thailand will ease,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

The Thai military declared martial law to suppress the escalating civil and political unrest.

The DFA, on the other hand, raised the alert level in Thailand to level two on May 20.

Under alert level two, Filipinos in Bangkok and the surrounding areas are instructed to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places and prepare for possible evacuation.

The Philippine embassy in Bangkok advised Filipinos in Thailand to carry valid identification documents with them at all times when going out of their homes following the declaration of martial law.

Curfew has been imposed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

“In view of this development, Filipinos are advised to exercise extreme caution and vigilance and observe the following precautionary measures,” the advisory said.

Filipinos were also told to remain indoors for the duration of the curfew, avoid non-essential movements within Thailand, refrain from taking part in protests and other political activities, and follow security instructions issued by the authorities.

Thailand’s military has  detained ex-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, among other people from various sectors, including the media.

Military aid suspended

Based on reports, the US has suspended military aid to Thailand and told the army to restore civilian rule. Washington also urged tourists to cancel trips and halted non-essential visits by US government officials.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration imposed a temporary suspension on the processing and deployment of newly- hired overseas Filipino workers bound for Thailand following the coup.

Only the processing and deployment of returning Filipino workers with existing employment contracts will be allowed.

There are between 10,000 to 15,000 Filipinos in Thailand, according to the Philippine embassy in Bangkok.

The Philippines supports the peaceful resolution of the ongoing crisis in Thailand through dialogue and observance of democratic principles and the rule of law, Malacañang said. – Pia Lee-Brago