AUSTRALIANS holidaying in Thailand have been thrown into chaos with the troubled nation last night declared a terrorist risk.

At least 5000 Australians are registered with the embassy, many enjoying the school holiday break with their families.

They
were told to get out of Bangkok and nearby resorts or stay in their
hotel rooms as rampaging protesters swarmed into the streets.

A Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman said the number of Australians in Thailand was likely to be much higher.

Bangkok descended into a second day of violence after the Government declared a state of emergency.

Thousands of protesters stormed a government building and fired shots as they chased new Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva from his office.

They
smashed paving slabs into a car they believed he was in before one
protester grabbed a gun from a security guard and fired into the air as
Mr Abhisit made his escape.
Protesters also seized several tanks in the heart of Bangkok
s shopping district.

"The protest has spread to many parts of Bangkok. Protesters have seized tanks and armoured cars," a police spokesman said.

The
confrontation came a day after Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was forced to
turn his jet around when the ASEAN summit was cancelled.

With blood on the streets, Australia
s Foreign Affairs Department issued a new advisory for travellers.

It
urged them to "exercise a high degree of caution because of the high
threat of terrorist attack and because of political instability in
Thailand".

The smart traveller website said Australians should closely monitor developments.

"We
continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks
against a range of targets, including tourist areas and other places
frequented by foreigners," the advisory warns.

Mr Abhisit came to power after his supporters laid siege to Bangkok Airport last year.