Travel Alert - Bangkok, Thailand

(April 12, 2010)

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that the Royal Thai Government, under the order of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, has declared a State of Emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas following demonstrations by protestors from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (aka UDD or "red-shirts"). While the details of how the State of Emergency will be implemented are still unknown, U.S. citizens should expect to see an increase in the presence of security personnel on the streets of Bangkok and should adhere to any and all instructions from such personnel.

This Travel Alert will expire on April 19, 2010.

The State of Emergency grants special powers to the Royal Thai Police and Army; however, it is not known how these powers will be exercised against the UDD demonstrators who have been protesting around the Ratchaphrasong intersection adjacent to Central World, Rajadamri Road and Soi Lang Suan, as well as the Phanfa Bridge area in old Bangkok.

U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise caution and vigilance at all times.
Immediately report to law enforcement or security personnel any unattended packages or bags or suspicious objects in public areas.

The Department also alerts U.S. citizens that if demonstrations in Bangkok are forcibly dispersed, the UDD demonstrators may move to other provinces. Possible demonstration sites include provincial halls and military and police installations. Therefore, U.S. citizens should monitor public sources of information to stay abreast of the latest information concerning demonstrations and areas to avoid. U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid the areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and to exercise caution in their movements around Bangkok.

U.S. CITIZEN SERVICES
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers in other areas, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

American citizens traveling or residing in Thailand are encouraged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the U.S. Department of States, Travel.State.Gov website.

Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the embassy or consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Thailand is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at mailto: ACSBKK@State.gov.

The after hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

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