The country's sporting circles have been affected by the political conflict.
A man with his kid at an anti-government rally in Bangkok yesterday. PATIPAT JANTHONG
The Thailand Open, one of the region's most revered golf tournaments, has been postponed after a 60-day state of emergency was imposed in Bangkok this week, organisers said yesterday.
Thailand plans to bid to host the 2023 Asian Games and officials admit the political problems have diminished the country's chances.
The US$1 million Thailand Open had been scheduled to take place from March 13-16 at Thana City Golf and Sports Club but will be moved to a more suitable date later in the year.
''We want to ensure the environment is stable in order to stage our world-class tournament and national Open,'' said Rungsrid Luxsitanonda, president of the Thailand Golf Association.
''There are just six weeks to go before the tournament so it would be unwise to proceed with the current date.''
The Thailand Open is jointly sanctioned by OneAsia and the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) and was to be the season-opening event for both Tours.
''It was unanimously agreed by all relevant parties to postpone the championship.
''This is in the best interests of the players, spectators, sponsors, sanctioning bodies and officials,'' said Patrick Feizal Joyce, vice-president of golf at World Sport Group, the event promoter.
The Thailand Open became a tournament on the Japanese circuit last year when Prayad Marksaeng came back from three strokes behind after three rounds to win by two strokes.
The government on Tuesday declared the state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas to tackle mass protests aimed at overthrowing the administration.
The move followed weeks of mass demonstrations as the protesters have staged a self-styled ''shutdown'' of the capital since Monday.
Meanwhile, Thailand has shown interest in staging the 2023 Asian Games but has not yet made a formal announcement.
According to Charouck Areeratchakaran, secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, the United Arab Emirates may enter the race to host the 2023 Asiad.
''We have hosted the Asian Games four times and that is our strong point,'' Charouck said.
''But to stage the Games, the political situation in the host country must be stable. Who would want to risk their lives?''
In football, the traditional match between Chulalongkorn and Thammasat universities has been moved from Feb 8 to March 29 due to the political tensions.
Also, the Feb 1 King's Trophy game between Thai Premier League champions Buriram United and runners-up Muang Thong United will now take place in Suphan Buri.
The match was originally scheduled at Supachalasai stadium, which is near the main protest site.
Japanese club Cerezo Osaka said they had cancelled their training camp in Thailand due to the protests.
In amateur boxing, China, Macau and Turkmenistan have withdrawn from the 2014 ASBC Asian Youth Continental Championships which begin tomorrow at Indoor Stadium, Hua Mark.
However, several golf tournaments will go ahead including the Honda LPGA Thailand from Feb 20-23 at Siam Country Club in Pattaya.
''We are not affected by the protests in Bangkok,'' said an organiser.
Prayad Marksaeng won the Thailand Open last year. FILE PHOTO