The international community expresses fears for the situation in Thailand after the coup led by army chief General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin as an effort to remove from power the Thailand’s prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

All the public buildings and government offices are in the control of the army forces. Soldiers took control of the local TV station in the capital, Bangkok. All the international channels, including BBC, CNN and CNBC are unavailable.

The coup was bloodless as the Prime Minister was away in the United Nations’ General Assembly in New York City.

The Army Chief General, Sonthi Boonyaratkali, mentioned in his message to the people that the coup was necessary in order the “harmony and normality in society” to be restored. He also mentioned that power will be soon back to the people.

Thailand is under Martial Law and the general commanders of the army have forbidden any kind of political gathering that exceeds the number of five persons.

So far the Tourism Authority of Thailand has made no announcements and no flights have been canceled but fears for the impact of the tourism arrivals in Thailand are big as many countries gave out travel advices.

Australia`s Department of Foreign and Trade stated, “In light of the very uncertain political situation and military-led takeover of the Government, we strongly advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Thailand until the situation is clarified. Australians in Thailand should exercise extreme caution. You should avoid concentrations of military personnel or military activity.”

“We advise against all but essential travel to, or through, the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, where there is continuing violence due to insurgency and civil unrest. Since January 2004, there have been regular attacks including bombings and shootings. There were a number of explosions in August 2006. On 16 September 2006, four bombs exploded in the town of Hat Yai killing four and injuring approximately 68. Two British nationals were amongst a number of foreign nationals injured in this latest attack. The Thai Government has declared a serious state of emergency in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat,” stated the Foreign Office in UK.