Swiss embassy in Bangkok closed

Switzerland has temporarily closed its embassy in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, as fighting spread between soldiers and anti-government protesters.

Ambassador Christine Schraner Burgener said the building was near the scene of fighting in Bangkok’s business district.

“It has become too dangerous to stay in the embassy,” she told Swiss public radio on Friday.

Since the end of April the Swiss foreign ministry has been advising tourists against travelling to Bangkok and to Thailand’s southern provinces.

There are an estimated 6,500 Swiss living in Thailand.

Clashes between troops and protestors is escalating on the third day of fighting in Bangkok.

The protestors who are barricaded in a camp in the city centre, want the prime minister to resign.

At least 17 people have been killed in the latest eruption of violence on Thursday.

swissinfo.ch and agencies