BEIJING?China's tourism authority has ordered travel agencies to temporarily suspend organised group trips to Thailand, where 21 people were killed in political unrest at the weekend.

The National Tourism Administration cited the "volatile situation on the ground" in Thailand, which is embroiled in a deepening political crisis.

"Tourism authorities at all levels will immediately notify all travel agencies to temporarily stop organized group travel to Thailand until further notice," the administration said in a statement.

Group tours have traditionally been the preferred form of travel for Chinese taking trips abroad.

Seventeen civilians and four soldiers were killed and more than 800 people wounded in clashes Saturday between security forces and "Red Shirt" protesters in Bangkok.

China's foreign ministry said it was "deeply concerned" about the Thai tensions and called for a quick restoration of order.