MEMBERS of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) from Phuket will be on buses bound for Bangkok tonight to join other demonstrators already in the capital after an escalation in protest-related violence.
Police used tear-gas to break up a protest outside Parliament House in the nation's capital soon after 6am on Tuesday morning, injuring as many as 70 protestors.
By nightfall, protestors were reported to have surrounded Parliament, trapping many MPs inside. It was not clear how the situation could be resolved.
The way the latest protests are reported internationally is likely to affect the immediate future of tourism in Thailand and on Phuket.
Within three hours of the violence, Deputy Prime Minister General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh offered his resignation in what was being seen as an attempt to take responsibility for police use of force, which ended several weeks of peaceful face-offs.
Tourism industry leaders on the island are waiting anxiously to see how events play out today and tomorrow.
They are not likely to be happy with what they see. For example, the BBC news ticker running across the bottom of television screens this afternoon begins: ''Dozens hurt as police fire tear-gas to disperse a rally . . . ''
If violence escalates as a result of this morning's confrontation, Thailand's tourism industry can expect an increasing number of cancellations and lost revenue.
A second ''state of emergency'' declaration by the embattled Government, even one limited to Bangkok, will reignite international concerns and trigger a new round of travel warnings.
The last thing the Phuket tourist industry needs right now, with October a vital month for high-season bookings, is a fresh round of damaging confrontation on Phuket or in Bangkok.
Nuttarong Ekphemsup, leader of the PAD on Phuket, told Phuketwan today that 200 of the island's PAD members had gone by bus to Bangkok last night and at least another 200 would follow tonight.
Like all PAD members on Phuket, Khun Nuttarong is aware that a repetition of the closure of Phuket International Airport as experienced over three days in late August would cost Phuket millions of baht in lost revenue - as well as throwing many PAD members and their families out of work.
The dilemma for PAD leaders on Phuket and in Bangkok lies in managing a protest campaign against the successors of former Prime Minster Thaksin Shinawatra without causing a self-inflicted catastrophe.
While most tourists understand that a complex political game is being played out in Bangkok over weeks and months, they will never return in numbers if there is even the slightest hint that their personal safety is at risk.
Interfering with flights at major airports is also a sure turn-off for travellers. This makes a successful campaign of disruption by the PAD very difficult to undertake.
The Government will be attempting not to allow further occupations of Government buildings while at the same time, being seen to seek mediation.
At Saphan Hin public park in Phuket City last night, where the island PAD supporters congregate, a small crowd watched a big screen television coverage of events from Bangkok.
Tonight, the park will be filled with noise and smoke as the Vegetarian Festival reaches its climax after nine days.
Tomorrow night, local people who send off the festival spirits tonight will again be attempting to send off the Government.
Key Events: Protests and Phuket
December 23: Samak Sundaravej leads the People Power party (PPP) to election victory.
February 6: Samak unveils a cabinet made up of members of a six-party coalition which holds nearly two-thirds of parliamentary seats.
February 28: Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, in self-imposed exile for 17 months, gets hero's welcome from supporters as he returns to Thailand and goes straight to court, where he is released on bail on corruption charges.
May 25: The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a collection of anti-government groups, launches street protests calling for Samak to resign for seeking constitutional amendments they believe are aimed at helping Thaksin.
July 8-10: Court decisions force out of office three senior government officials and Yongyut Tiyapairat, the house speaker and PPP deputy leader.
July 15: A military standoff breaks out near a disputed temple on the Thai-Cambodia border, with the PAD accusing Samak of relinquishing Thai territory to help Thaksin with a business deal in the neighbouring country.
July 31: Thaksin's wife, Pojaman, is convicted of tax evasion and released on bail.
August 11: Thaksin and his wife go into exile in Britain, claiming they will not get a fair trial on the corruption charges mounting against them.
August 26: At least 35,000 PAD-led protesters raid a TV station, surround three ministries and break into Bangkok's main government compound in what they say is their ''final war'' against the government.
August 29: Scuffles break out between police and PAD supporters still laying siege to Government House. Protests spread. Hundreds of PAD protestors assemble around Phuket International Airport. Some reach the tarmac. Flights stopped at 3.50pm
August 30: Stranded passengers arrive at airport in hope of flights resumption. Airport General Manager Wing Commander Wicha Nurnlop says that in some ways, the airport blockade is ''worse than the 2004 tsunami.''
September 1: The protest at the airport is over. About 3.50pm a Thai Airways Boeing 777 from Bangkok touches down, first of the airlift in, and an exodus out.
September 2: Overnight clashes leave one dead and dozens injured in Bangkok so Samak declares a state of emergency in the capital, allowing the army to move in to help restore order. Thai Election Commission finds the PPP guilty of buying votes and recommends the party be disbanded.
September 3: Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag resigns. Army chief Anupong Paochinda tells Samak that despite state of emergency he will not use force to disperse anti-government protesters from Government House. Phuket resort occupancy rates slump to 30 percent and recovery could take two years.
September 4: Samak says in a radio and television speech that he will not resign. Cabinet later suggests a national referendum as a solution to the impasse.
September 9: Constitutional Court disqualifies Samak from holding the office of Prime Minister over paid appearances on a TV cooking show.
September 12: MPs vote for to elect a PM and Samak is the leading candidate but there are insufficient numbers for a quorum. Samak realises his position is untenable and steps aside.
September 14: State of emergency for Bangkok lifted but travel warnings by more than 20 countries remain in place.
September 17: Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother in law, elected as the new PM.
October 6: Thaksin and his wife apply for asylum in Britain.
October 7: Police use tear-gas and injure about 70 protestors to prevent a demonstration at Parliament House.
The 24 Original Travel Warnings (now reduced to about half that number):
Australia (''exercise high degree of caution'')
Belgium (''The state of emergency was declared in Bangkok in the wake of violent confrontations between demonstrators on September 2. The student demonstrations are organized on some campuses in the province or in the capital Bangkok in recent days. The political situation remains tense and unpredictable. It is advised travellers to observe the usual rules of prudence, away from any event and avoid vicinity of government buildings. Travellers are not covered, but could face trouble during their trip due to unforeseen disturbances and generally brief in the rail and air traffic due to strikes or demonstrations sudden. The operation of other services in Thailand (electricity, water, etc.). Could also be affected by strikes. It is recommended that visitors always check with the railways and air local or international situation of the connections and flights before any movement.
The situation outside places of demonstration is otherwise calm and quite normal.'')
Canada (''Exercise high degree of caution'')
China (''Chinese citizens and groups travelling to Thailand are advised to pay attention to the situation and accordingly adjust their itinerary.'')
Chinese Taipei (Notification for Tiawan people now situation in Thailand is the yellow
(the level of violence in Thailand is low)
Cyprus (''Cypriot citizens wishing to visit Thailand are advised to postpone their journey.'')
Denmark (''Danish nationals are advised to avoid the demonstrations and larger crowds, follow the news in the media and listen to advice and directions from the local authorities. How the situation will develop is still unclear.'')
France (''Demonstrations continued in Bangkok. Clashes occurred between demonstrators on September 2, 2008, causing one dead and forty wounded. The state of emergency was declared in Bangkok by the Government. It prohibits a particular public gatherings of more than five people. Demonstrations were also held in some other cities.
Rail traffic was disrupted throughout the country. The operation of other utilities, including air traffic, could be affected by strikes.
Travelers to Thailand should take into consideration the disruption of air and rail traffic, and the situation in some districts of Bangkok. Travellers may be exposed, because of local conditions, risks of delay or cancellation of some flights.
It is necessary to keep the Council regularly informed of the situation by visiting the website of the embassy and avoid places of demonstrations in Bangkok (seat of government and surroundings, place Sanam Luang) and in provincial towns.'')
Germany (''In the next few weeks in Bangkok has increased with large demonstrations can be expected. It is strongly recommended, demonstrations and other large gatherings of people to be avoided, even in order not to risk any explosives suspend attacks.'')
Hong Kong (''The security Bureau reminds people planning a trip to Thailand to monitor developments there and consider adjusting or postponing their travel plans.'')
Italy (''There are conditions of uncertainty because of the delicate political moment. The protests have also expanded in other areas of Thailand. Rail transport is currently locked throughout the country. The functioning of public services, including air transport, could be affected by strikes. Those who wish to travel in the country must therefore take into account the possibility to meet the hardships caused by these strikes.'')
Ireland (''Although nationwide strikes have been threatened, these have not yet materialised and transport and public utility services (including telephone lines) continue to operate normally. At present. Irish citizens in, or intending to travel to, Thailand, should monitor media reports closely on the implementation and operation of the state of emergency.
To date, no Irish tourists have reported any significant problems as a result of the political unrest. It is important to contact your airline, tour operator or travel agent to confirm your travel details.'')
Japan (''The visitor to Thailand should get update information from media, avoid the place of government offices, meeting and demonstration and be very careful in not involving unexpected situation.
Regarding Thailand travelers should be aware of the warning or crisis information and check the content of them.'')
Malta (''Maltese nationals currently in Bangkok or those who intend to travel there should exercise caution, avoiding any demonstrations or large gatherings of people.'')
New Zealand (''There is some risk. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all political rallies, protests and demonstrations.'')
Norway ''Norwegian citizens to maintain awareness, stay away from demonstrations and large gatherings of people, follow media reports and listen to advice from local authorities. The ministry isn't urging Norwegian citizen to drop any travel plans.'')
Russia ''The Ministry of the Russia have the information for the Russia tourist should not get near the protests areas '')
Sweden ''Advice tourist to stay away from demonstration and big gathering public. Bigger anti-government is going on in BKK and many parts of Thailand. State Emergency was applied in Bangkok. Airports are opened and may occupied again. Swedish tourist should keep update from their travel agent and related authority.'')
Singapore ''If Singaporeans do not have a pressing need to travel to Bangkok, they are advised to postpone the travel to a later date. Singaporeans intending to travel to Thailand should closely monitor news developments there.
When in Bangkok, Singaporeans are advised to avoid areas where there is a risk of disturbance, for example, the Government House. They should also take the necessary precautions for their personal safety. During this period of uncertainty, Singaporeans are advised to monitor the local news diligently and be prepared to face inconveniences in their travel.'')
South Korea (''Move the level from travel cautious level 1 is travel refrained level 2'')
Spain ''The Foreign Ministry tell the Spain tourist if come to Thailand should be more care full, maybe the train will be stop for service.'')
Switzerland (''Now in Thailand have emergency . should check the information from the media.'')
United Kingdom (''The political situation in Thailand is very uncertain. On 9 September, the Constitutional Court ruled that Prime Minister Samak had violated the Constitution and he has been disqualified as Prime Minister.
There have been major demonstrations taking place in central Bangkok and there have been outbreaks of violence. One demonstrator died during clashes on 2 September and around 40 others were injured. There remains the possibility of further violent clashes. A State of Emergency is in place in Bangkok. Throughout Thailand you should exercise caution, avoiding any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. See the Political Situation section for more details.
If you are in Thailand you should keep yourself informed of developments, including by regularly checking this advice and the media. If you plan to visit Thailand in the next few days you should consider the present situation and that travel in Thailand is subject to possible disruption when making your decision. Railway services are disrupted. You are advised to check with your airline before travel as flights may be affected. See the Thailand Travel Advice on the FCO website for more details.'')
USA (''Thailand is not in the country list of Travel Warning and Travel Alerts. U.S. Embassy Bangkok released Warden Message to alert U.S. Citizens travelling and residing in Thailand that demonstrations in the area near Government House in Bangkok have turned violent. One demonstrator has been killed and others injured
We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.'')
Police used tear-gas to break up a protest outside Parliament House in the nation's capital soon after 6am on Tuesday morning, injuring as many as 70 protestors.
By nightfall, protestors were reported to have surrounded Parliament, trapping many MPs inside. It was not clear how the situation could be resolved.
The way the latest protests are reported internationally is likely to affect the immediate future of tourism in Thailand and on Phuket.
Within three hours of the violence, Deputy Prime Minister General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh offered his resignation in what was being seen as an attempt to take responsibility for police use of force, which ended several weeks of peaceful face-offs.
Tourism industry leaders on the island are waiting anxiously to see how events play out today and tomorrow.
They are not likely to be happy with what they see. For example, the BBC news ticker running across the bottom of television screens this afternoon begins: ''Dozens hurt as police fire tear-gas to disperse a rally . . . ''
If violence escalates as a result of this morning's confrontation, Thailand's tourism industry can expect an increasing number of cancellations and lost revenue.
A second ''state of emergency'' declaration by the embattled Government, even one limited to Bangkok, will reignite international concerns and trigger a new round of travel warnings.
The last thing the Phuket tourist industry needs right now, with October a vital month for high-season bookings, is a fresh round of damaging confrontation on Phuket or in Bangkok.
Nuttarong Ekphemsup, leader of the PAD on Phuket, told Phuketwan today that 200 of the island's PAD members had gone by bus to Bangkok last night and at least another 200 would follow tonight.
Like all PAD members on Phuket, Khun Nuttarong is aware that a repetition of the closure of Phuket International Airport as experienced over three days in late August would cost Phuket millions of baht in lost revenue - as well as throwing many PAD members and their families out of work.
The dilemma for PAD leaders on Phuket and in Bangkok lies in managing a protest campaign against the successors of former Prime Minster Thaksin Shinawatra without causing a self-inflicted catastrophe.
While most tourists understand that a complex political game is being played out in Bangkok over weeks and months, they will never return in numbers if there is even the slightest hint that their personal safety is at risk.
Interfering with flights at major airports is also a sure turn-off for travellers. This makes a successful campaign of disruption by the PAD very difficult to undertake.
The Government will be attempting not to allow further occupations of Government buildings while at the same time, being seen to seek mediation.
At Saphan Hin public park in Phuket City last night, where the island PAD supporters congregate, a small crowd watched a big screen television coverage of events from Bangkok.
Tonight, the park will be filled with noise and smoke as the Vegetarian Festival reaches its climax after nine days.
Tomorrow night, local people who send off the festival spirits tonight will again be attempting to send off the Government.
Key Events: Protests and Phuket
December 23: Samak Sundaravej leads the People Power party (PPP) to election victory.
February 6: Samak unveils a cabinet made up of members of a six-party coalition which holds nearly two-thirds of parliamentary seats.
February 28: Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, in self-imposed exile for 17 months, gets hero's welcome from supporters as he returns to Thailand and goes straight to court, where he is released on bail on corruption charges.
May 25: The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a collection of anti-government groups, launches street protests calling for Samak to resign for seeking constitutional amendments they believe are aimed at helping Thaksin.
July 8-10: Court decisions force out of office three senior government officials and Yongyut Tiyapairat, the house speaker and PPP deputy leader.
July 15: A military standoff breaks out near a disputed temple on the Thai-Cambodia border, with the PAD accusing Samak of relinquishing Thai territory to help Thaksin with a business deal in the neighbouring country.
July 31: Thaksin's wife, Pojaman, is convicted of tax evasion and released on bail.
August 11: Thaksin and his wife go into exile in Britain, claiming they will not get a fair trial on the corruption charges mounting against them.
August 26: At least 35,000 PAD-led protesters raid a TV station, surround three ministries and break into Bangkok's main government compound in what they say is their ''final war'' against the government.
August 29: Scuffles break out between police and PAD supporters still laying siege to Government House. Protests spread. Hundreds of PAD protestors assemble around Phuket International Airport. Some reach the tarmac. Flights stopped at 3.50pm
August 30: Stranded passengers arrive at airport in hope of flights resumption. Airport General Manager Wing Commander Wicha Nurnlop says that in some ways, the airport blockade is ''worse than the 2004 tsunami.''
September 1: The protest at the airport is over. About 3.50pm a Thai Airways Boeing 777 from Bangkok touches down, first of the airlift in, and an exodus out.
September 2: Overnight clashes leave one dead and dozens injured in Bangkok so Samak declares a state of emergency in the capital, allowing the army to move in to help restore order. Thai Election Commission finds the PPP guilty of buying votes and recommends the party be disbanded.
September 3: Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag resigns. Army chief Anupong Paochinda tells Samak that despite state of emergency he will not use force to disperse anti-government protesters from Government House. Phuket resort occupancy rates slump to 30 percent and recovery could take two years.
September 4: Samak says in a radio and television speech that he will not resign. Cabinet later suggests a national referendum as a solution to the impasse.
September 9: Constitutional Court disqualifies Samak from holding the office of Prime Minister over paid appearances on a TV cooking show.
September 12: MPs vote for to elect a PM and Samak is the leading candidate but there are insufficient numbers for a quorum. Samak realises his position is untenable and steps aside.
September 14: State of emergency for Bangkok lifted but travel warnings by more than 20 countries remain in place.
September 17: Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother in law, elected as the new PM.
October 6: Thaksin and his wife apply for asylum in Britain.
October 7: Police use tear-gas and injure about 70 protestors to prevent a demonstration at Parliament House.
The 24 Original Travel Warnings (now reduced to about half that number):
Australia (''exercise high degree of caution'')
Belgium (''The state of emergency was declared in Bangkok in the wake of violent confrontations between demonstrators on September 2. The student demonstrations are organized on some campuses in the province or in the capital Bangkok in recent days. The political situation remains tense and unpredictable. It is advised travellers to observe the usual rules of prudence, away from any event and avoid vicinity of government buildings. Travellers are not covered, but could face trouble during their trip due to unforeseen disturbances and generally brief in the rail and air traffic due to strikes or demonstrations sudden. The operation of other services in Thailand (electricity, water, etc.). Could also be affected by strikes. It is recommended that visitors always check with the railways and air local or international situation of the connections and flights before any movement.
The situation outside places of demonstration is otherwise calm and quite normal.'')
Canada (''Exercise high degree of caution'')
China (''Chinese citizens and groups travelling to Thailand are advised to pay attention to the situation and accordingly adjust their itinerary.'')
Chinese Taipei (Notification for Tiawan people now situation in Thailand is the yellow
(the level of violence in Thailand is low)
Cyprus (''Cypriot citizens wishing to visit Thailand are advised to postpone their journey.'')
Denmark (''Danish nationals are advised to avoid the demonstrations and larger crowds, follow the news in the media and listen to advice and directions from the local authorities. How the situation will develop is still unclear.'')
France (''Demonstrations continued in Bangkok. Clashes occurred between demonstrators on September 2, 2008, causing one dead and forty wounded. The state of emergency was declared in Bangkok by the Government. It prohibits a particular public gatherings of more than five people. Demonstrations were also held in some other cities.
Rail traffic was disrupted throughout the country. The operation of other utilities, including air traffic, could be affected by strikes.
Travelers to Thailand should take into consideration the disruption of air and rail traffic, and the situation in some districts of Bangkok. Travellers may be exposed, because of local conditions, risks of delay or cancellation of some flights.
It is necessary to keep the Council regularly informed of the situation by visiting the website of the embassy and avoid places of demonstrations in Bangkok (seat of government and surroundings, place Sanam Luang) and in provincial towns.'')
Germany (''In the next few weeks in Bangkok has increased with large demonstrations can be expected. It is strongly recommended, demonstrations and other large gatherings of people to be avoided, even in order not to risk any explosives suspend attacks.'')
Hong Kong (''The security Bureau reminds people planning a trip to Thailand to monitor developments there and consider adjusting or postponing their travel plans.'')
Italy (''There are conditions of uncertainty because of the delicate political moment. The protests have also expanded in other areas of Thailand. Rail transport is currently locked throughout the country. The functioning of public services, including air transport, could be affected by strikes. Those who wish to travel in the country must therefore take into account the possibility to meet the hardships caused by these strikes.'')
Ireland (''Although nationwide strikes have been threatened, these have not yet materialised and transport and public utility services (including telephone lines) continue to operate normally. At present. Irish citizens in, or intending to travel to, Thailand, should monitor media reports closely on the implementation and operation of the state of emergency.
To date, no Irish tourists have reported any significant problems as a result of the political unrest. It is important to contact your airline, tour operator or travel agent to confirm your travel details.'')
Japan (''The visitor to Thailand should get update information from media, avoid the place of government offices, meeting and demonstration and be very careful in not involving unexpected situation.
Regarding Thailand travelers should be aware of the warning or crisis information and check the content of them.'')
Malta (''Maltese nationals currently in Bangkok or those who intend to travel there should exercise caution, avoiding any demonstrations or large gatherings of people.'')
New Zealand (''There is some risk. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all political rallies, protests and demonstrations.'')
Norway ''Norwegian citizens to maintain awareness, stay away from demonstrations and large gatherings of people, follow media reports and listen to advice from local authorities. The ministry isn't urging Norwegian citizen to drop any travel plans.'')
Russia ''The Ministry of the Russia have the information for the Russia tourist should not get near the protests areas '')
Sweden ''Advice tourist to stay away from demonstration and big gathering public. Bigger anti-government is going on in BKK and many parts of Thailand. State Emergency was applied in Bangkok. Airports are opened and may occupied again. Swedish tourist should keep update from their travel agent and related authority.'')
Singapore ''If Singaporeans do not have a pressing need to travel to Bangkok, they are advised to postpone the travel to a later date. Singaporeans intending to travel to Thailand should closely monitor news developments there.
When in Bangkok, Singaporeans are advised to avoid areas where there is a risk of disturbance, for example, the Government House. They should also take the necessary precautions for their personal safety. During this period of uncertainty, Singaporeans are advised to monitor the local news diligently and be prepared to face inconveniences in their travel.'')
South Korea (''Move the level from travel cautious level 1 is travel refrained level 2'')
Spain ''The Foreign Ministry tell the Spain tourist if come to Thailand should be more care full, maybe the train will be stop for service.'')
Switzerland (''Now in Thailand have emergency . should check the information from the media.'')
United Kingdom (''The political situation in Thailand is very uncertain. On 9 September, the Constitutional Court ruled that Prime Minister Samak had violated the Constitution and he has been disqualified as Prime Minister.
There have been major demonstrations taking place in central Bangkok and there have been outbreaks of violence. One demonstrator died during clashes on 2 September and around 40 others were injured. There remains the possibility of further violent clashes. A State of Emergency is in place in Bangkok. Throughout Thailand you should exercise caution, avoiding any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. See the Political Situation section for more details.
If you are in Thailand you should keep yourself informed of developments, including by regularly checking this advice and the media. If you plan to visit Thailand in the next few days you should consider the present situation and that travel in Thailand is subject to possible disruption when making your decision. Railway services are disrupted. You are advised to check with your airline before travel as flights may be affected. See the Thailand Travel Advice on the FCO website for more details.'')
USA (''Thailand is not in the country list of Travel Warning and Travel Alerts. U.S. Embassy Bangkok released Warden Message to alert U.S. Citizens travelling and residing in Thailand that demonstrations in the area near Government House in Bangkok have turned violent. One demonstrator has been killed and others injured
We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.'')
