Amid ongoing anti-government protests in parts of Thailand, the Qatar embassy in Bangkok is advising citizens to avoid traveling to the country until further notice, Al Sharq reports.

Nationals who are already in Bangkok should avoid going out on Monday, ahead of planned demonstrations that could shut down the capital, the newspaper continued. Gulf Times translates:

Qataris have been urged to be cautious and avoid gatherings and crowds in Bangkok, to stay far from the demonstrations areas and not to support or oppose the protest.

The Qatar embassy has also called upon all Qataris who will be travelling out of Bangkok between tomorrow and Tuesday to use airport link for going to the airport instead of private cars for their safety.

The embassy is closed on Saturdays and could not be reached for comment by Doha News.

Escalation

Protests in the capital and other parts of Thailand have been growing in recent weeks. According to Al Jazeera English, gunmen began firing shots at a gathering of demonstrators in Bangkok early this morning, wounding two.

Protestors have been calling for the resignation of the prime minister and the institution of a “people’s council” to run the country, AJE reports:

Authorities have raised fears that a planned “shutdown” by the anti-government protesters on Monday could lead to more violence.

Thousands of police are also expected to keep the peace. The authorities say they are ready to declare a state of emergency if there is fresh unrest.

If Qataris in Thailand have any questions or concerns, the embassy has set up two hotlines: 0815647455 or 08060687889.

Thoughts?