The United States on Wednesday urged Americans to reconsider any travel to Thailand while Britain told its citizens living there to stay in their homes, after the Thai military toppled the country's prime minister in a coup.
Japan, Australia and Canada advised citizens to be extremely careful in the Thai capital, where tanks surrounded government offices, and to avoid political rallies or concentrations of military personnel.
"In light of the very uncertain political situation and apparent military-led takeover of the government, we strongly advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Thailand until the situation is clarified," the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
It asked those already in the capital to stay at home, and monitor the media.
The U.S. Embassy, in an e-mail to its citizens living in Thailand, said while there had been no reports of violence in the overnight coup, Americans should "monitor the situation closely, avoid any large gatherings and exercise discretion when moving about the city."
"At this point, we are not advising Americans to leave Thailand; however, Americans planning to travel to Thailand may wish to carefully consider their options before traveling until the situation becomes clearer."
South Korea also advised its citizens against visiting Thailand, saying the situation remains "volatile."
Britain's Foreign Office, in a notice on its Web site, warned movement in the capital may be restricted because of the imposition of martial law that came as Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was in New York attending the U.N General Assembly.
Japan, France and Singapore issued similar notices through their Foreign Ministries that urged nationals to remain in "safe" locations in the capital and avoid places that could be a flashpoint for violence, such as the palace and government buildings.
New Zealand tourists to Thailand were cautioned to be careful when moving around the city.
"Don't go sightseeing around government buildings. If a curfew is imposed _ and there is talk of a curfew _ then it should be respected," Ambassador Brook Barrington told Radio New Zealand in Wellington.
The Canadian Foreign Ministry said the unstable situation could continue for a few more days "and the potential for violent confrontations exists."
It warned Canadians against traveling to the Sanam Luang area of Bangkok, where many government offices are located.
In Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the situation in Thailand as "peaceful overall" and said it had no plans to issue an advisory against visiting the country.
Taiwanese tourists in Thailand, however, were advised to "mind their safety," ministry spokesman Michel Lu told reporters.
Meanwhile, flag carrier Thai Airways International said the coup had not disrupted its domestic or international flights.
The new Suvarnabhumi Airport would also open as planned on Sept. 28, said Somchai Sawasdeepon of the Airports of Thailand.
The Thailand Open tennis tournament, slated to begin Sept. 23 and run through Oct. 1, would also begin on schedule, organizers said.
"The Thailand Open organizing committee assures players, officials and visitors that Thailand remains a safe and peaceful country, and we warmly welcome you," Brian Marcar, vice chairman of the ATP Thailand Open Organizing Committee, said in a statement.
