MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / May 20, 2014) – President Benigno Aquino has ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs to look into the welfare and ensure the safety and security of Filipinos working and living in Thailand now in political crisis.
Thai Army has imposed martial law and took over radio and television stations, but officials said it was not a coup, but a move to preserve peace and order following unrest in the country, but anti-government protests still continue.
Governemnt spokesman Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the DFA has raised the Alert Level in Thailand from 1 to 2, meanining Filipinos in Bangkok and the surrounding areas are instructed to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places, and prepare for possible evacuation when necessary.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was removed from her office by the Constitutional Court earlier this month for abuse of power. And acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan insisted his government would not resign, resisting pressure from protesters.
Coloma did no say how many Filipinos are now in Thailand.
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