Pub with no beer? Popular Phuket bans alcohol on Australia Day weekend as Thailand's election state of emergency continues in Bangkok Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand, is one of the most popular places to spend Australia Day. CELEBRATIONS have run into a slight problem in one of the most popular places to spend Australia Day. On the popular beach resort island of Phuket, a ban on alcohol sales began on Australia Day eve, ahead of Thai national elections. It comes days after Bangkok was placed into a state of emergency as violent protests rock the capital city. The Phuket Gazette reported the ban prevented all retail shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and convenience stores from selling alcohol on Saturday night, with a penalty of up to six months in prison. At the Aussie Pub in Kamala, owner Peter Crisp told Phuket Wan the ban was sudden. "We will, of course, obey the law," he said. I have no problem with that. But a bit more notice would have been nice. Phuket's popular Patong beach was among the top 10 most popular places for Australian travellers this Australia Day, according to figures released by HotelesCombined. The Phuket alcohol crackdown came as Thai Tourism officials say the anti-government campaign to "shut down" Bangkok has led to a 5 per cent decline, or about two million visitors, in overall tourist arrivals. Anti-government protesters carry a large national flag as they parade during a rally in Bangkok. Travellers to Thailand have been warned to avoid protests because of the risk of violence. Hotels and restaurants near protest locations are facing dramatic declines in guest numbers that normally are close to 80 per cent occupancy during the peak holiday period and upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has called on travellers to exercise a high degree of caution due to the possibility of civil unrest and threats of terrorist attacks. And travellers have been warned to check their travel insurance before visiting Thailand. "We advise travellers to avoid all locations where protests are occurring due to the risk of further violent attacks," the government's advice says. We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand due to the threat of terrorist attack, including Bangkok. We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including locations frequented by tourists and foreigners. Anti-government protesters wave national flags during rallies at a protest site at Victory Monument in downtown Bangkok. Protests have centred on the following locations: Intersection of Silom/Sala Daeng/Rama IV roads; intersection of Asoke (Ratchadapisek) and Sukumvit Road, Ratchaprasong intersection, Pathumwan intersection, the Victory Monument, Lat Phrao intersection and at the government complex at Chaeng Watthana. Some protests are located close to major shopping centres and public transport hubs. Other public locations, including government buildings and bridges, have also been blockaded. Be aware that protests may also occur at other locations in Bangkok. Demonstrations are also taking place in centres outside of Bangkok, including tourist centres such as Phuket, Surat Thani and Chiang Mai. See the latest travel advice from DFAT at the Smartraveller website. Staff writers / AP A foreign couple joins anti-government protesters during a rally in Bangkok.