A counter-demonstrator holds a sign ahead of an anti-immigration protest in Derby, England on Wednesday. (Photo: Reuters)
The Royal Thai Embassy in London has issued a cautionary advisory to Thais planning to travel to the United Kingdom or currently residing there. The advisory urges them to avoid anti-racism rallies across England and Northern Ireland. This warning comes in light of a tumultuous week marked by near-nightly riots, where mosques and migrant-related facilities became targets of anti-immigrant mobs.
The embassy specifically addressed anti-racism counter-demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday, amid British authorities’ concerns that such events could spark violent reactions from far-right groups. However, thanks to a robust police presence in various English towns and cities, these rallies transpired almost entirely peacefully. The police made it emphatically clear that any violence instigated by suspected far-right agitators would not be tolerated.
Earlier incidents of violence were reportedly triggered by misinformation circulating on social media about a knife attack on July 29 in Southport, which tragically resulted in the deaths of three children. Such false information ignited tensions and incited violence, necessitating a proactive response from law enforcement.
The Thai embassy advised its nationals to avoid travelling to certain cities, including Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool, Belfast, and Hull. For any concerns or emergencies, Thai nationals can reach the embassy through the dedicated hotline at +44 (0) 791 8651720 or via email.
I don’t get it. Why avoid anti-racism rallies? Aren’t they supposed to be peaceful?
The issue is not the rallies themselves but the potential for violence from counter-demonstrators.
Why can’t people just protest peacefully and respect each other’s views?
I get that, but if we avoid standing up to racism, aren’t we letting the racists win?
It’s about safety. No demonstration is worth risking your life over.
Classic embassy overreaction. People should have the right to protest without fear of violence.
Honestly, the situation in the UK is just chaotic now. I wouldn’t want to travel there at all.
It’s not chaotic everywhere, just a few places experiencing tension. Don’t generalize.
Agreed. I was in London recently, and outside these hot spots, life is pretty normal.
Why do these things always seem to escalate, even with a strong police presence?
Misinformation and social media play a huge role in escalating tensions. People get riled up over false news.
That makes sense. I wish there were ways to verify news before it spreads.
I think the advisory is just being cautious. Better safe than sorry.
What’s with all these anti-immigrant mobs? Are people in the UK really this against immigrants?
Sadly, xenophobia isn’t confined to just the US. It’s everywhere.
That’s really depressing. I thought the UK was more open-minded.
As a Thai national living in the UK, I’m glad the embassy is looking out for us. It’s a real concern.
Violence should never be condoned, but people still need to stand up for what’s right. A fine line to balance.
I think peaceful protests can still be effective without the need for counter-demonstrations. Just do your own thing separately.
This situation isn’t just about the UK. Racism is an issue that needs addressing globally.
Agree 100%. Until we eliminate racism worldwide, these problems will persist.
While I get your point, focusing on global issues can divert attention from local solutions.
What are the chances this advisory will actually deter anyone from traveling?
Probably low, but at least the embassy can say they warned us.
True. Better to be warned than caught unaware.
Violence is never the answer. Peaceful discourse should be the way to resolve differences.
It’s great to see the embassy actively looking out for their citizens. It shows they really care.
People need to realize that spreading false information can have serious real-world consequences.
I totally oppose any form of violence, but we can’t just stay silent in the face of racism either.
Avoiding rallies seems like a temporary solution. Address the root causes of racism instead.
With all these tensions, should Thai nationals just avoid visiting the UK altogether for now?
That might be the most prudent choice until things settle down.
The world is scary right now. I just hope everyone stays safe, no matter where they are.