DPM:Prolonged Protest affects Thai tourism, economy

BANGKOK, November 28 (TNA) - Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul says that ongoing anti-government demonstrations, if prolonged, will hurt the domestic tourism during the current high season, calling for demonstrators to quickly end their protest. Surapong cautioned on Thursday that the persistent demonstrations could also affect the national economy and image. The deputy prime minister confirmed that the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has operated normally and people can contact officials for passport services, while electricity and water supplies also run as usual. The deputy prime minister acknowledged, however, that 28 countries have issued travel advisory to their citizens to stay away from protesting sites during their stay in Thailand.(TNA)