Filipinos asked to defer non-essential travel to Thailand amid unrest

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government is discouraging Filipinos from traveling to Thailand amid the ongoing political unrest, an official said today.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said the Thai government has likewise issued a "request" to the public to stay at home in the wake of current political developments in Bangkok.

Around 30,000 protesters have been staging mass demonstrations in Bangkok, demanding Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down.

"We ask the Filipino community in Thailand to heed the request of the Thai  government and for our nationals to refrain from non essential travel to Thailand at this time," Hernandez said in a text message.

"Our embassy is in touch with our kababayans there and is closely monitoring the political situation in Bangkok," he said.