VIOLENCE "QUITE POSSIBLE" IN BANGKOK

The British Embassy in Bangkok has emailed registered British citizens to warn them that violence is "quite possible" on the back of next week's court decision.
Ambassador Quinton Quayle, referring to official advice travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth office, said: "The political situation in Thailand is tense and uncertain. British citizens should exercise great caution throughout Thailand and avoid demonstrations or large gatherings of people that might turn violent. It is likely that there will be mass protests by anti-government demonstrators in and around Bangkok. A court decision due on 26 February 2010 is a potential flashpoint. If, as is quite possible, anti-government protests turn violent, British citizens should stay indoors and monitor the media and this website."
Given the Thai government has made concerted attempts to reassure foreign diplomats this should act as a wake-up call to anyone who still thinks there's nothing much to worry about. The British Ambassador isn't going to be saying things like this lightly.