Thailand warning: Australian tourists urged to stay away from protests and expect delays to Bangkok airport

AUSTRALIANS are being warned expect travel delays to and from the airport as tension in the Thai capital escalates.

THE Australian Government has ramped up its travel advice for Thailand as experts warn of the potential for escalating violence in coming days.

With protests causing gridlocks in Bangkok amid reports of shootings, travel safety specialist Phil Sylvester warned a window to peacefully resolve the country's political dispute would pass quickly.

Scroll down for top transport tips to avoid the protests

However, the Thai capital remains safe for Australians to visit as long as they remain aware of their surroundings, said Mr Sylvester, from Travel Insurance Direct.

He recommended travellers keep their eye on developments through the local media and by talking to hotel staff.

"The International Crisis Group (a think-tank) was quoted as saying that the window for peaceful protest is narrowing and I would agree with that," he said.

"I think there should be a heightened sense of awareness but people should be alert but not alarmed.

"I think it's still relatively peaceful, but if you are a bit nervous about what is happening, go somewhere else - there are plenty of other places in Thailand that are safe."

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It comes as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has raised its travel warning for Bangkok because of the possibility of further civil unrest ahead of national elections due on February 2.

"Protesters have occupied a number of major intersections in Bangkok since January 13, 2014, disrupting local traffic and some commercial activity," the advice states.

"These protests are likely to continue. You should expect traffic disruptions, blockages and delays during this period and plan accordingly (for example, by familiarising yourself with any alternative transport options)."

The upgraded travel advice follows an increase in violence on the streets of the Thai capital.

A long-running series of mass rallies reached a head this week with thousands of demonstrators vowing to bring the city to a halt in an attempt to oust Yingluck Shinawatra, Thailand's first female prime minister, and to suspend parliamentary democracy.

In the most disturbing incident, gunmen shot and wounded seven protesters, while popular tourist areas such as Silom, Asok and the Ratchaprasong intersection have been affected by the protests.

Mr Sylvester said sporadic violence - like the gun attack - concerned him and was a potentially ominous sign.

Despite reports that a radical fringe within the protest group is interested in shutting down transport links into and out of the country, DFAT said Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang Airport are operating normally.

However, Thai authorities recommended travellers allow extra time for travel to the airport.

Australian traveller Lucas Jones said taxi drivers had advised tourists to leave the city ahead of this week's protests, and that many taxi drivers had been told not to work because of the shutdown.

Other Australians who contacted News Corp said they had deferred or cancelled planned trips to Thailand, which last year attracted 26.7 million tourists and is one of Australia's favourite holiday destinations, because of the unrest.

While largely confined to Bangkok's commercial centre, demonstrations have also occurred at government facilities in provinces outside Bangkok, including in Phuket.

In its most recent update on Tuesday night, the Tourism Authority of Thailand said on Wednesday protesters were planning massive marches through Sukhumvit Road, Ekkamai Road, Thong Lor Road and New Phetchaburi Road.

To help tourists heading to the airport, about 6000 Airports of Thailand registered taxis have been given special stickers to show the vehicle is carrying tourists, the Tourism Authority of Thailand said.

Top transport tips to avoid the protests

To avoid getting caught in road traffic linked to the protests, tourists are also advised to use the following means of transport to get around Bangkok:

- The Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link's SA Express and SA City Line trains run between Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Bangkok downtown (Makkasan City Air Terminal and Phayathai Stations).

- The State Railway of Thailand's (SRT) city train services run between Don Mueang International Airport and Hua Lamphong Station.

- The BTS skytrain runs between Mo Chit and Bearing Stations (Sukhumvit Line), and between National Stadium and Bang Wa Stations (Silom Line).

- The MRT subway runs between Bang Sue and Hua Lam Phong Stations.

- The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) operates several bus and van services throughout Bangkok.

- Passenger buses bearing special signs issued by the Ministry of Transport can use the expressways free of charge.

- Boat and ferry services on Saen Saeb Canal and the Chao Phraya River.