BANGKOK, Thailand (2 Sep 2008) — Singapore, China, Taiwan, New Zealand, Switzerland, France and Denmark have joined the group of countries who have issued travel warnings against travelling into Thailand. Since Thailand announced the state of emergency on Tuesday, five countries immediately issued the warnings - Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and United Kingdom. Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) president Apichart Sankary said the political unrest should end before September 15, which is the start of the high season of tourism industry. Prakit Shinamourphong, president of Thai Hotels Association (THA), said business operators are worrying over political turmoil. "It is too soon to finalise the degree of impact on the hotel and tourism business, but operators are not happy with the situation," said Prakit. A number of tourists have checked out from hotels in Thailand for fears that state enterprises' labour union strikes could disrupt their travelling plans. Importantly, the Hat Yai International Airport has remained shut down while some train services to the South are halted. Two other key tourist airports including Phuket International Airport were also shut down. A group of anti-government demonstrators calling themselves the People's Alliance for Democracy have been occupying government offices for a week. They clashed with pro-government protestors early Tuesday morning leaving one dead and dozens injured -- leading to the emergency declaration hours later. | 
