Usa Issues Travel Warning

[jdinasia]

US Embassy warden message on southern bombings

From: Bangkok ACS ([email protected])

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Sent:Tue 3/18/08 9:10 AM

To: Bangkok ACS ([email protected])

On March 15, two bombs exploded at the CS Pattani Hotel in Pattani Province in southern Thailand. Two people died and thirteen were injured. A car bomb exploded in Yala Province on the same day, killing the driver. Since 2005, the far south of Thailand has experienced almost daily incidents of criminally and politically motivated violence, including incidents attributed to armed local separatist/extremist groups. Although the extremist groups focus primarily on Thai government interests in the southern provinces, some of the recent violence in the area has targeted public places, including areas where tourists may congregate.

U.S. Citizens should be aware that the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to defer non-emergency travel to the far south of Thailand: Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Songkhla provinces, including the town of Hat Yai. If U.S. citizens must travel to these areas, they should exercise special caution and remain vigilant with regard to their personal security.

For further information on travel to Thailand please see the Country Specific Information at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1040.html.

Americans living in or visiting Thailand are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or the U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai through the State Department’s travel registration web site, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Thailand. 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 consular section of the U.S. Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok; The U.S. mailing address is APO, AP 96546-0001. The central switchboard number is (66-2) 205-4000; The American Citizens Services Unit number is (66-2) 205-4049; and the fax number is (66-2) 205-4103. The website for the U.S. Embassy is http://bangkok.usembassy.gov. American citizens can register online via the website. Questions regarding American Citizens Services can be submitted by e-mail to [email protected]. The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is located at 387 Wichayanond Road; The U.S. mailing address is Box C, APO, AP 96546. The telephone number is (66-53) 252-629 and the fax number is (66-53) 252-633.

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Not exactly new ... but sent to US Cit's on the mailing list just now