Travellers warned of dangers in Bangkok

New Zealanders travelling to Thailand are being warned they face a high security risk, with two people killed and dozens injured in street clashes.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency in Bangkok on Sunday over the protests, which led to the East Asia summit New Zealand Prime Minister John Key was to attend being cancelled.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said yesterday anyone thinking of travelling to Thailand should have a good look at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mfat) website, which warns of a high security risk.

"I think you'd have to have quite a good reason to go to Thailand at the moment, to travel there," he said.

The website advises that gatherings of more than five people are banned, that media and travel restrictions could be put in place and the military could, if necessary, be used to help maintain law and order.

"There is a risk that protest activity might intensify in response to the emergency decree. We therefore reiterate our advice to New Zealanders to avoid all political rallies, protests and demonstrations as the possibility of violence cannot be ruled out," Mfat advised.

"If you are in an area affected by demonstrations or violence, you should find a safe location, remain indoors and heed any local advice."

Labour MP Chris Carter is one New Zealander already in Bangkok and he is heeding that advice.

He said he and partner Peter Kaiser had intended to have a quiet holiday during the parliamentary recess.

"It certainly has been an action- packed two days while I've been here," he said.

He was following New Zealand Ambassador Brook Barrington's advice to stay inside his hotel - the Hilton in central Bangkok.

"I've assured our ambassador who has been on the phone to me frequently ... we will not be creating any extra hassles for him. We haven't felt personally unsafe, though we've certainly seen many armed police, seen the demonstrators and heard the bullets going off ... all very dramatic."

Mr Carter said his hotel was near the government district where the violence was centred.

"It was very tense yesterday as many of the major intersections in central Bangkok had been occupied by the red-shirted demonstrators ... they seem to have retreated last night to Government House.

Mr Carter said the deaths and injuries could inflame the situation further.

"The police and Army seem determined to crush the demonstrations today so today will probably be crunch time."

- NZPA