Thais in Egypt warned to stay away from protest

Thai Foreign Ministry on Thursday warned Thais living in the Egypt to stay in their homes as violence continues following a crackdown on supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Manasvee Srisodapol said at Foreign Ministry in Bangkok that the Thai Embassy in Cairo has coordinated with the Thai Students Association in Egypt and the leaders of Thai communities to instruct their members to stay at home and avoid leaving the residence for a while. As of now, all Thais remain safe and none has asked to return to Thailand, said the spokesman. The Egyptian government last night declared curfew in several cities to contain nationwide violence following security operations at the protesters' camps. It was reported that more than 400 people including policemen were killed in the operations. The Thai Embassy in Cairo issued a warning statement, urging Thai nationals to strictly avoid protest locations for their safety as violence continues. The Foreign Ministry spokesman also asked Thais who plan to travel to Egypt to closely monitor the situation, while expressing hope that the Egyptian government will be able to bring back the situation to normal as soon as possible.