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Thailand bracing for unrest?

A 2008 rally by the People's Alliance for Democracy, courtesy of Mobile World via Wikimedia Commons.
A 2008 rally by the People's Alliance for Democracy, courtesy of Mobile World via Wikimedia Commons.

LONDON, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- There is a heightened state of alert for British nationals in Thailand as violence is expected during a political rally Tuesday, the British government warned.

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office warned that demonstrations by the People's Alliance for Democracy planned for Tuesday in Bangkok could turn violent.

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Thailand has declared a state of emergency, London said, which prohibits gatherings of five or more people. This restriction could affect travel, the government warned.

A high threat of terrorism exists in parts of the country, especially in areas visited by expatriates and foreigners, the warning continued.

Clashes erupted on the Thai border with Myanmar following general elections Nov. 7. Several people were injured during border fire last week and the British government notes that all land crossings are closed.

"Elsewhere, the situation is generally calm following recent political and civil unrest," the statement added. "However there remains a risk that political developments may lead to further violence."

Bangkok imposed a state of emergency after the 10-week, anti-government Red Shirt protest ended in May.

Clashes between Red Shirt supporters and security forces left at least 89 people dead, including a breakaway general who was assassinated during a media interview amid the unrest.

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