What happened?

A state of emergency has been declared in Bangkok following violent clashes between police and demonstraters opposed to the rule of the Thai prime minister, Samak Sundaravej.

The state of emergency means gatherings of more than five people are banned and the military have the power to disperse crowds. The unrest has implications outside the city - although railway services in the north, north-east and south of Thailand are no longer suspended, there is widespread disruption to services. Phuket and Krabi airports have reopened.

Has the Foreign and Commonwealth Office changed its travel advice?

No. The overall level of FCO advice remains the same, so British tourists are free to visit the country, however, the FCO continues to warns of a high threat of terrorism throughout Thailand (although countries including Morocco and Turkey carry the same warning).

Only certain southern provinces of Thailand are on the no-go list for British travellers (FCO advises against all but essential travel to these places), but these regions are a long way from Bangkok and the popular beach resorts.

Its current advice for Britons in Bangkok is to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings and keep abreast of news in case the situation changes. Although airports have reopened the FCO advises checking with your airline before leaving for the airport.

Have other western nations changed their travel advice?

No. The Australian Government continues to advise its nationals to exercise a "high degree of caution" if visiting Thailand but has stopped short of issuing a travel ban. Likewise, the US Government has not issued a travel alert, but warns of the threat of terrorism across Thailand.

Is Bangkok safe for western visitors?

Around 860,000 Britons visit Thailand every year, most of which start in Bangkok, and the majority of trips are trouble free. Most incidents requiring consular assistance in Bangkok are drugs-related or involve road accidents. The FCO also warns tourists of the danger of credit card fraud and drink-spiking.

In its guide to Thailand, Lonely Planet also warns travellers to the city not to accept cigarettes, food or drink from strangers in case it is spiked with sedatives.

Have there been other incidents in Bangkok in recent years?

The FCO warns of a series of bomb attacks in Bangkok during 2007. On January 28 2006 a small bomb was detonated near the Ministry of Justice building in Bangkok, but no fatalities were reported. Two months later a bomb exploded outside the house of a Thai government official and former prime minister in Bangkok's royal district.

The blast injured a British tourist and a Canadian tourist, it followed rising political tensions over the Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. Later that year, on 31 December 2006, a series of bomb explosions in Bangkok killed three people and injured at least 36 others, including six foreigners.

The FCO reports two other incidents involving explosive devices in Bangkok since December 2005.

What about the rest of Thailand?

Six British nationals have been murdered in Thailand since January 2006. Both the FCO and Lonely Planet warn women, in particular, to be vigilant when travelling alone in Thailand following incidents of drinks spiking, sexual assault and pick pocketing.

Are there any local laws I should be aware of?

The Thai authorities stipulate that tourists carry their passport with them at all times and in some cases visitors have been arrested because they have been unable to produce their passport. Visitors should also be aware of the strict laws governing drugs. Possession of even a small amount of illegal drugs can lead to a lengthy prison sentence and a large fine.

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