Asia Expats Forum

Mike · Site Admin Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 4512 Location:

This message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Thailand
that media reports indicate that the United Front for Democracy Against
Dictatorship (aka UDD or red-shirts) will hold a demonstration on
Sunday, December 19, 2010 scheduled from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in Bangkok's
Rajaprasong area (around Central World) to mark the 7 month anniversary
of the end of the spring protests in May 2010.

Based on similar past demonstrations, the streets in all directions
around Rajaprasong are expected to be filled with approximately 10,000
persons. Many of them will be parking their vehicles on the sides of
Rajadamri and Ploen Chit roads, snarling traffic throughout the area.
Central World and Siam Paragon may also be affected and close down
early. We strongly suggest that you avoid that area throughout the
afternoon and evening of Sunday December 19th.

We are not aware of any general, specific, or implied threat to U.S.
citizens or U.S. interests throughout this period. However, even
demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and
possibly escalate into violence with little or no warning. You should
avoid areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and exercise caution
if within the vicinity of any demonstrations or large gatherings. You
should monitor local media to keep updated with the latest information
about demonstrations and areas to avoid. Although the level of violence
in Bangkok and Chiang Mai subsided following the UDD protests from
March- May 2010, there were a series of explosions from June through
October, and the potential for random acts of politically-motivated
violence remains. You should maintain a heightened sense of awareness,
be cognizant of any unattended packages/bags in public/crowded places,
and report any suspicious behavior to the nearest law enforcement
personnel.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling
abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular
Affairs Internet web site at http://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).

We strongly encourage U.S. citizens in Thailand to register with the
Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or the Consulate General
in Chiang Mai or through the State Department's Smart Traveler
Enrollment Program (STEP). For information on general crime and security
issues, U.S. citizens may also consult the Department of State's Country
Specific Information for Thailand and the Worldwide Caution, located at
the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website. U.S.
citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions
by calling 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada, or
202-501-4444 from overseas.

The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy Bangkok is
located at 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. The American
Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling
66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at acsbkk@state.gov. The emergency
after-hours telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is located at 387 Wichayanond
Road in Chiang Mai. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate
General can be reached by calling 66-53-107-777 and by e-mail at
acschn@state.gov. The after-hours emergency telephone number is
66-81-881-1878.
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