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 the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD, or
the "red-shirts") plans to hold a demonstration in Bangkok on Sunday,
January 9. Scheduled from approximately 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the
demonstration is to begin at the Democracy Monument. Demonstrators will
then reportedly move to the Rajaprasong area (around Central World), the
site of protests in May 2010, where they plan to arrive sometime after
6:00 pm.

Streets surrounding the Rajaprasong intersection are expected to be
filled with approximately 10,000-20,000 people in all directions. Many
participants are expected to park their vehicles on the sides of
Rajadamri and Ploenchit roads, impeding traffic throughout the area.
Central World and Siam Paragon may also be affected and close early. We
strongly suggest that you avoid these areas throughout the afternoon and
evening of January 9, 2011.

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. As a
precaution, you should avoid areas that may be targeted for
demonstrations. Monitor local media to keep updated with the latest
information about demonstrations and areas to avoid. Stay alert, and be
cognizant of any unattended packages/bags in public/crowded places.
Report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement personnel.

For the latest security information, you should regularly monitor the
Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website
(http://travel.state.gov), where current Worldwide Cautions, Travel
Alerts, Travel Warnings and health-information resources can be found.
You can also obtain up-to-date information on security 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).

You are also encouraged to inform the Embassy of your presence in
Thailand by enrolling in the Department of State's Smart Traveler
Enrollment Program (STEP), available at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. The American Citizen
Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road in
Bangkok, and can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049, or by e-mailing
ACSBKK@State.gov. The Embassy's after-hours emergency telephone number
is 66-2-205-4000.
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