The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has advised Singaporeans who wish to travel to Bangkok to avoid large gatherings and protest marches, as well as all protests sites and their vicinity during the day and especially at night.

In an updated alert on its website on Wednesday, a day after a 60-day state of emergency was declared in the Thai capital, MFA said: "Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can turn confrontational, and escalate into violence without warning."

Traffic disruptions, blockages and delays are expected to be severe.

Singaporeans in Bangkok should monitor local news and developments closely, take all necessary precautions for personal safety, and buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance, the ministry said.

Singaporeans are also encouraged to eRegister with MFA at eregister.mfa.gov.sg so that they can be reached should the need arise.

Those who need consular assistance while in Bangkok can contact Singapore's embassy there or the 24-hour MFA Duty Office at:

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Thailand

129 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120

Tel: +66-(2) 286-2111 or +66-(81) 844-3580 (24-hours)

Fax: +66-(2) 287-2578

Email: singemb_bkk@sgmfa.gov.sg

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hours)

Tel: 6379 8800, 6379 8855

Fax: 6476-7302

Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

Since January 13, protestors have occupied seven major intersections in Bangkok.

Protest sites include major intersections at Asok, Pathumwan, Lumpini, Victory Monument, Ratchaprasong, Lad Phrao, Silom, and Chaeng Wattana.

Some protest sites are located in the vicinity of shopping malls like MBK, Siam Paragon, Central World and Terminal 21, the MFA advisory said.