MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs has raised the Alert Level for Thailand from 1 or “Precautionary Phase” to 2 or “restriction phase” in view of recent political developments in that country.
Alert Level 2 is issued when there are real threats to the life, security, and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance in or external threat to the host country. Under Alert Level 2, Filipinos in Thailand are instructed to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places and prepare for evacuation if necessary.
Under Alert Level 2, the Department of Labor and Employment allows only overseas Filipino workers with existing contracts (balik-manggagawa) to return to their host country.
In a DFA release, the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok advised Filipinos residing in or traveling to Thailand to avoid the rally sites and large gatherings and to refrain from taking part in the protest or other political activities.
Everyone is advised to continue exercising extreme caution and vigilance and to closely monitor developments, the DFA said.
“The Philippines supports a peaceful resolution to the on-going challenge through dialogue and observance of democratic principles and the rule of law. The Philippines hopes for an early return to normalcy consistent with the will and interest of the Thai people,” the DFA said in a separate statement.
