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The Thai government is looking to send more troops to Bangkok over fears that violence could once again erupt in the capital.

The government is concerned about potential clashes between pro- and anti-government groups if Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is ousted in May as a result of legal cases brought against her.

The country is already facing losses of £1.5billion in the first six months of this year due to plummeting tourism figures caused by the ongoing crisis.

Ongoing clashes: Suporn Attawong, a red shirt leader of the 'Volunteers' Ward to protect the Nation's Democracy' group, speaks to his members during a march

The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) warned that tourism confidence has been seriously damaged by the political crisis which has dragged on since November and caused massive street protests and violent clashes in the capital.

To tackle the problem it has suggested an emergency campaign to entice foreign travellers back to the country.

TCT president Piyaman Techapaiboon told the Bangkok Post: 'If we do nothing, the political problems will hurt the Thai tourism industry in the coming high season [November 2014 to March 2015], as many travellers will instead book to other destinations such as Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. Normally buyers make reservations six months in advance.'

Discontent: Thai anti-government protesters blow whistles and shout slogans calling on the Election Commission to reform before further voting

Yingluck, who has faced six months of street protests aimed at forcing her out, has been charged with abuse of power for her transfer of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri in 2011, which opponents say was done for personal and party political reasons. If found guilty, she may have to step down.

Doubts: Tourists have returned to Bangkok, but further protests could lead to drops in visitor numbers

Her ousting would be the latest twist in nearly a decade of confrontation between her brother, ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, and the Bangkok-based royalist establishment, who see Thaksin, a populist former telecoms tycoon, as a threat to their interests.

Both sides can whip up large crowds on the streets and both sides have armed activists in their ranks.

'There are important legal cases coming up next month and the red shirts will rally,' said Surapong Tovichakchaikul, a deputy prime minister who also heads the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order.

The 'red shirts' are supporters of the Shinawatras and Yingluck's government and they have vowed to resist any bid to force Yingluck from office, by either the anti-government protesters or the courts.

'We are worried there will be violence and clashes between the protesters and the red shirts, which is why we must increase the presence of troops to protect security,' he told reporters.

An election in February that Yingluck looked set to win was disrupted by the protesters, who stopped candidates from registering and blocked polling stations.

As a result, a court nullified the election in March and the Election Commission has yet to set a new date.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office warns British tourists: 'Political demonstrations continue in and around Bangkok and elsewhere in Thailand. Some of these have been violent, including the use of firearms and grenades, and there have been casualties and deaths. The situation is unpredictable and further protests are expected. You should avoid protest sites.'