Thai embassies warn citizens to avoid protest areas in Greece and Italy

Thai embassies in Greece and Italy have advised Thai residents and tourists to exercise caution, avoid protest areas and closely follow local developments amid demonstrations in both countries.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Athens said on Monday (October 19) that Greek media had reported plans by student groups to hold demonstrations against the government at Syntagma Square in central Athens on October 20 and 21.

The protesters are calling for increased funding for educational institutions and greater assistance with students’ study and living costs.

Further industrial action is expected on Wednesday (October 21), when teachers are due to protest over demands including improvements to educational facilities, higher salaries and better working conditions.

Students, school pupils, parents and teachers are also expected to gather at Propylaia in central Athens at noon that day.

The embassy said such demonstrations had occurred previously and warned that the current protests could broaden to other areas. It also cited unrest and violence at demonstrations elsewhere in Europe as a reason for Thai nationals to remain cautious.

Thai residents in Athens and Thai tourists were therefore advised to stay away from demonstration sites and surrounding areas on October 20 and 21.

Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Embassy in Rome issued a separate advisory on Monday following student protests in several major Italian cities over the preceding days.

The embassy advised Thai nationals living in or visiting Italy to monitor developments closely and comply strictly with instructions from Italian authorities, even though the level of violence had eased in some areas.

Thai nationals requiring emergency assistance in Italy can contact the Royal Thai Embassy in Rome on +39 333 851 8071.