Thailand’s new tourist attraction under martial law ... selfies with the soldiers

THE land of smiles has taken posing for photographs to a whole new level, with martial law inspiring this social media trend.

A foreign tourist sits in a Thai Army vehicle as soldiers deploy on a Bangkok street. Pic

THAILAND’S tourism authority is at pains to reassure travellers its attractions are open and it’s business as usual across the country.

But under military rule, an alarming new tourist attraction has emerged.

Passersby pose as Thai army soldiers sit in a jeep mounted with a machine gun. Picture: AFP

Selfies with the soldiers appears to be the nation’s new pastime, for locals and foreign tourists alike.

A foreign tourist sits in a Thai Army vehicle as soldiers deploy on a Bangkok street. Picture: Getty

Living up to their country’s reputation as the land of smiles, the soldiers appear to be co-operative when it comes to photo requests - though perhaps not quite as delighted as those posing with them.

Passers-by with a soldier near a pro-government rally on the outskirts of Bangkok. Picture: AP

And some will even take your photo for you...

A woman poses with an army vehicle after martial law was declared in Thailand. Picture: Getty

There’s been clear advice to tourists to avoid protest sites - both from the Thai tourism authority and international authorities including Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs - in the wake of months of anti-government protests that have left 28 people dead and hundreds wounded.

A mother and daughter with a soldier guarding the area near a pro-government demonstration site. Picture: AP

As the military was holding talks between warring political parties after imposing martial law on Tuesday, the latest update from the Tourism Authority of Thailand encourages tourists to continue their regular holiday activities.

“Both local residents and international visitors can continue to carry out their daily life as well as travel within Bangkok and other destinations in the kingdom as usual,” it said.

A foreign tourist with Thai soldiers deployed on a downtown Bangkok street. Picture: Getty

It urged tourists to avoid rally sites around Ratchadamnoen Avenue (Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge and Democracy Monument) and Chaeng Wattana Road (Government Complex), and on Aksa Road in Bangkok’s western outskirts.

And travellers with flights departing from Bangkok’s international airports have been warned to allow extra time to avoid heavy traffic on some of the city’s roads.

People pose for photos with Thai Army soldiers deployed on a downtown Bangkok street. Picture: Getty

All major tourist attractions in the Thai capital, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn, are open normally, as are transport, shops and services.

Travel safety expert Phil Sylvester from Travel Insurance Direct has urged travellers to contact their insurers to confirm what they’re covered for.

Passers-by with soldiers guarding a city centre street in Bangkok. Picture: Getty

Martial law in Thailand: Your questions answered

“(But) as it stands at the moment, as long as you’re not going to protest sites – and especially on the beach at Phuket – you can relax and enjoy your holiday,” Mr Sylvester told News Corp.

A woman poses with soldiers stationed outside the police headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand. Picture: AP

The Australian government continues to advise Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand.

For updates on the situation in Thailand, visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand website and for the latest warnings from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Travel visit smartraveller.gov.au

Thai soldiers pose for a photo as they check an area near government house in Bangkok. Picture: AFP