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Anti-government protesters in Bangkok have marched on several government buildings on the second day of a planned shutdown of the Thai capital.
Demonstrators surrounded the Customs Department and key road junctions remained blocked today.
British travellers to Bangkok have been advised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to monitor local news and social media for developments.
“You should take extra care and avoid all protests, political gatherings and demonstrations,” the FCO said while pointing out that ‘Tourist Friend Centres’ have been set up by Thai authorities in various parts of the city to provide information.
Many thousands of demonstrators gathered in Bangkok to build barricades at seven major intersections.
Large numbers slept outside overnight and today groups headed to government buildings to try to disrupt officials’ work, the BBC reported.
The shutdown has been peaceful so far and shops and businesses have remained open in unaffected areas.
The US State Department called on all sides to exercise restraint.
The protesters want the government of prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to be replaced by an unelected ‘people’s council’.
They say they will remain on the streets until their demands are met.