Duke postpones visit to Thailand

The Duke of York is the UK's special trade representative

The Duke of York has postponed a visit to Thailand following riots in the capital, Bangkok, in which one person died and 43 were injured.

A spokesman said the duke thought it "appropriate" to rearrange his visit after the Thai government declared a state of emergency in the city.

The Foreign Office, while not advising UK travellers to avoid Bangkok, says visitors should use caution.

Foreign minister Meg Munn said she was following developments with "concern."

Prince Andrew was to visit Thailand during his tour as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

He will now only visit Vietnam and Singapore over six days next week.

'Avoid demonstrations'

His office said today: "With the agreement of the Royal Thai and British governments, the Duke of York has decided it would be appropriate to postpone his official visit to Thailand to a later date."

The British Government urges all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution of this crisis, respecting Thailand's democratic institutions, and maintaining the rule of law Foreign office minister Megg Munn

Meanwhile the Foreign Office website is advising UK travellers to be careful on the streets of Bangkok and to avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people.

Existing advice to avoid all but essential travel to the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla remains in force, following civil unrest and attacks there by insurgents.

'Deep concern'

Ms Munn said: "I am following developments in Thailand with deep concern.

"The British Government urges all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution of this crisis, respecting Thailand's democratic institutions, and maintaining the rule of law.

"We advise British citizens in Thailand, and those planning to travel there, to monitor closely media reports and the travel advice on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website."

South Korea and Singapore have issued travel advisories urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Thailand.