By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter

South Koreans have been advised to refrain from traveling to Pattaya, a resort in Thailand, as the recent anti-government protest evoked security concerns.

The Thai government declared a state of emergency over the weekend.

``As massive protests disturbed public security there, we've issued a travel warning,'' said an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

He continued, ``We call on related government offices, travel agencies and travelers to take extra care.''

Thousands of supporters of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra staged a rally, insisting on a comeback from the ousted public figure, which led to the cancellation of the ASEAN+3 summit.

No injuries or financial losses of South Korean nationals have been reported yet, the official said.

South Koreans can stay in the Southeast Asian country for up to 90 days visa-free as the two nations signed a visa waiver program in 1981.

ksy@koreatimes.co.kr