Thais warned of travelling to the Philippines

BANGKOK, June 3 (TNA) -- Thai nationals now staying in the Philippines and those planning to travel to that country have been warned of ongoing fierce fighting between the government forces and the terrorists, according to a message posted on the Facebook of the Thai embassy in Manila. The message advised Thais now staying in the Philippines and those planning to travel there to be more cautious and to also monitor fighting situation in that country closely. Thai people should especially avoid travelling to Mindanao, the second largest and southernmost major island in the Philippines, after the government has placed the martial law in an effort to suppress terrorist groups in Malawi and nearby areas as well as populous cities, the message said. The statement has also urged the Thai citizens to avoid the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex in Manila which was attacked by a gunman. The Thai embassy also asked Thai citizens in the Philippines to cooperate with authorities of that country by showing their passports or their important documents when requested. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has placed Mindanao under martial law since May 23 in an immediate response to the attacks by the fighters. Meanwhile, a gunman stormed the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex in the Philippine capital on Friday, setting gaming tables alight and killing at least 36 people who mostly suffocated in thick smoke, in an attack claimed by Islamic State but which officials insist was a robbery. (TNA)