People ‘making mountain out of a molehill’ over ousting

THE manager of an Irish bar in Thailand has claimed people have made a ‘mountain out of a molehill’ over the military coup which has seen the prime minister overthrown.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern yesterday advised Irish citizens in or about to visit Thailand that, while no reports had been received of violence or of danger to Irish citizens, his department was advising they should stay indoors, exercise caution if travelling around the city, avoid any street demonstrations which might take place and stay away from government buildings.

Tony Hughes, manager of the Dubliner Bar in the centre of Bangkok, said that over the past two days he has not seen a single soldier or tank on the street on his way to or from work and that there have been no fatalities.

“We are erring on the side of caution and out of respect to the situation we did close early tonight, but really people are making a mountain out of a molehill,” said Mr Hughes.

“There are some tanks on the other side of the city guarding key buildings, but really it is very quiet.”

Mr Ahern said he has directed Irish embassies and consulates in the region to continue to closely follow developments, and offer all necessary consular assistance to Irish citizens in Thailand.

“Irish citizens should also refer to the advice published on the Department of Foreign Affairs website www.dfa.ie,” he said.

It was reported that most residents and tourists in Bangkok, a city of more than 10 million, were unfazed by Tuesday’s events. Stores remained open, traffic ran as normal and the tanks on the street quickly became popular tourist attractions.

Thais and foreigners lined up to get their photos taken alongside smiling soldiers holding floral bouquets.

“I’m not worried because I know this happened for a reason,” said a 31-year-old Swiss national who only gave his name as Alex, grinning for a photo as he grasped the hand of a soldier.

“Many people want Thaksin to go.”