KEY POINTS:
New Zealanders have been advised to take care in Thailand by Prime Minister John Key as he continues to prepare to visit the troubled country.
Mr Key said diplomats were keeping a close on the situation, but there was no indication that foreign tourists are being targeted by protesters who have blocked the main airports in protest against the government.
"But obviously given the uncertainty, and the uncertain security situation, New Zealanders in Thailand need to be careful and keep themselves informed and keep in touch with their families and friends," Mr Key said.
Mr Key said the East Asian Summit was still scheduled to take place in the northern Thailand city of Chiang Mai on December 15.
A close eye was being kept on the situation, but at this stage there was no indication the meeting was being called off and Mr Key still planned to travel to take part in the signing of a trade deal with Asean nations.
Mr Key's comments came as the Thai government backed away from its threat to forcibly remove protesters occupying Bangkok's two airports in their campaign to oust the prime minister, saying police would avoid violence and attempt to negotiate.
Thousands of tourists have been left stranded since anti-government protesters occupied the main international Suvarnabhumi airport on Tuesday and the smaller Don Muang airport on Wednesday. Both airports are now shut down and the capital completely cut off to air traffic.
The new soft line, and the government's failure to send in security forces so far, has raised doubts about whether Somchai has the support of security forces and the army, a powerful institution that has traditionally played a key role in the country's politics.
- NZPA
