BANGKOK, Jan. 9 -- Chinese citizens in Thailand, especially in Bangkok, have been urged to keep away from rally sites during the planned operation to shut down the capital from Jan. 13.

In a statement posted on its website Wednesday, the Chinese embassy in Thailand asked Chinese citizens to keep a close eye on the local situation and avoid involvement in the protest.

Anti-government protesters are expected to shut down major streets in the capital from Jan. 13, and the embassy urged Chinese citizens to leave early for airports and take rail transportation.

Chinese citizens can contact the embassy for protection when in need, said the statement.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Thursday morning embarked on a third warm-up march to invite people to join the shutdown operation.

Suthep received donations from supporters during the march.