Exercise extreme caution, Pinoys in Thailand told

Carry identification documents, follow security instructions from the authorities, and exercise extreme caution.

These were among the pieces of advice given by the Philippine Embassy in Thailand to Filipinos staying there, amid the political tension caused by the declaration of martial law and the subsequent coup.

In a public advisory dated Thursday night but posted on its website on Friday, the embassy also noted curfew has been imposed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Filipinos are thus advised to "exercise extreme caution and vigilance," it said.

The embassy also advised Filipinos in Thailand to:

- Remain indoors for the duration of the curfew.
- Avoid non-essential movements within Thailand.
- Refrain from taking part in protests and other political activities.
- Follow security instructions by the authorities.
- Carry valid identification documents at all times.
- Contact the Embassy for emergencies.

The embassy can be contacted at 760 Sukhumvit Road corner Soi Philippines (Soi 30/1) Bangkok 10110.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has already raised alert level "2" in Thailand, while the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has imposed a temporary ban on the deployment of newly hired overseas Filipino workers.

The embassy's advisory was given hours after the Thai army seized power in a coup after failing to prod bitter political rivals into a compromise to end six months of turmoil.

Thailand's army chief, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, seized control of the government in a coup two days after declaring martial law, saying the military had to restore order and push through reforms after six months of turmoil.

The military declared a 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. curfew, suspended the constitution and detained some politicians. It later summoned former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and 22 others, including relatives and ministers in her ousted government. –Joel Locsin with Reuters/KBK, GMA News