OTTAWA - Canada has lifted a warning against non-essential travel to strife-torn Thailand, but it's still urging visitors to "exercise a high degree of caution" if they choose to go.

The Foreign Affairs Department notes that a state of emergency still exists in Bangkok and 23 Thai provinces after more than two months of political demonstrations and lethal violence.

It says the state of emergency can affect civil liberties by limiting the right to assembly as well as freedom of movement, and may include searches, checkpoints, curfews, and other restrictions.

And it warns that further civil unrest and sporadic violence remain a risk throughout the country.

Although protest areas have been cleared, Ottawa says the Thai government continues to deploy police and military forces in response to the recent unrest.

It "strongly advises" Canadians to avoid protest sites, military installations or concentrations of security personnel, as well as prominent government buildings.

"Canadians should exercise caution, follow the advice of local authorities, and remain informed of developments by monitoring local media," it says.

On May 19, Thai authorities dispersed protesters encamped in Bangkok's central business district. The military operation was followed by intense rioting, gunfire, explosions, arson, and clashes between security forces and demonstrators in Bangkok.

Dozens were killed and more than 400 injured over six days of violence last month.