Bangkok (Thailand), Nov.

Taipei - Taiwan warned its citizens Wednesday to be cautious when traveling in Thailand as anti-government protests are escalating, forcing the temporary closure of Bangkok's international airport.

The Foreign Ministry urged Taiwanese who work or travel in Thailand to avoid going to places where the protests are taking place. In case of emergency, they should dial a 24-hour hotline set up by Taiwan's representative office in Bangkok for help.

The ministry advised Taiwanese who are in Thailand or those who plan to travel there to check with airlines before going to the airport, as many flights between Bangkok and Taipei have been canceled or delayed.

Bangkok  - Thousands of travellers were stranded at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport Wednesday after their flights were cancelled because of a siege on the facility by anti-government protestors who have pledged to stay until the prime minister resigns.

The closure of the country's main airport has dealt an immediate blow to the country's tourism industry, the leading industry earner of foreign exchange for the kingdom.

"The damage done is huge," said Chaisak Angsawan, director general of the Department of Aviation. He estimated that Suvarnabhumi handles 370 flights a day, all of which have been cancelled or diverted to other airports.

Bangkok - Thailand has sought a clarification from the Indian Navy on its rules of engagement in sinking an alleged pirate ship last week off the coast of Somalia after evidence has emerged that the ship was a Thai vessel, officials said Wednesday.

"We have asked the Indian authorities to help us verify the ownership of the vessel and then clarify their rules of engagement," said Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharit Charungvat.

Bangkok - Thai protestors on Tuesday blocked the main road access road to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport in an effort to prevent the return of Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, who was scheduled to return Wednesday.

Police set up a blockade to prevent about 1,000 protestors, members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), from entering the airport and creating problems for passengers.

"At the moment it's just causing an inconvenience, but some people may miss their flights if this continues," said a spokesperson at Suvarnabhumi Airport's public relations department.