U.S. Embassy BKK:Travel Alert for Thailand - May 16, 2014

[NomadJoe]

This email originates with the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, please help to share it, especially if you know someone that is email challenged.

Thank you, D. Bowman, Phuket warden.

MESSAGE

The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the potential risks of travel to Thailand, particularly Bangkok, due to ongoing political and social unrest. On May 7, the Constitutional Court ruled to dismiss the caretaker Prime Minister and nine cabinet members, and an acting caretaker Prime Minister assumed the role. In March, the same court annulled the results of the February 2 national elections. Demonstrations, primarily in the greater Bangkok area and occasionally elsewhere in Thailand, are continuing, and there have been regular incidents of violence. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings. Protests may occur in Bangkok or in nearby areas with little or no prior notice. This Travel Alert supersedes the Travel Alert issued on February 14, 2014, and will expire on August 19, 2014.

Political demonstrations in Thailand have taken place regularly since early November 2013. Most protest activity has occurred in the Bangkok area, often around government, shopping, and tourist sites, but on occasion there have been smaller demonstrations in other areas of Thailand, including Chiang Mai. Although many protest activities have been peaceful, violent incidents involving guns and explosive devices have occurred at or near protest sites. Some have resulted in injury or death. In Bangkok, anti-government protests have been mobile throughout the city, with large numbers of demonstrators at times swelling quickly and closing major roads and intersections. The majority of the demonstrations have occurred in the vicinity of Thai government facilities and at major intersections. These have included Ratchadamnoen near Government House and Victory Monument, Lumpini Park, Pathumwan, Ratchaprasong, Sala Daeng, and the Government Center at Chaengwattana. Pro-government demonstrators are also maintaining a rally site on Aksa Road in western Bangkok. There is often reduced or no police presence at protest sites, where protest “guards” frequently control access.

On March 19, the Royal Thai Government invoked the Internal Security Act (ISA) in the province of Nontahburi, the district of Lad Lumkaew (province of Pathumthai), and the district of Bang Phli (province of Samut Prakan). The ISA is currently effective through June 30 and grants security forces additional authorities to set up checkpoints and restrict movement.

U.S. citizens are cautioned that even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid protest sites, demonstrations, and large gatherings. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to local news media reports. You should allow extra time when travelling throughout the city or to/from airports. Consider using public transportation.

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Thailand are strongly advised to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) https://step.state.gov/step/. U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in case of an emergency.

Unless otherwise indicated in a public announcement, the U.S. Embassy is open for all routine American Citizens Services by appointment. U.S. citizens needing emergency assistance do not need an appointment. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy (http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service.html) is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok, and can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049, or by e-mailing [email protected]. The Embassy's after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

[Bkungbank]

It's not targeted on tourist like Sabah where kidnapped Chinese tourist to get ransom, it's inner conflict where noting to do with farang, only some reporters which taking news on such site have to be careful.

[NomadJoe]

US Embassy Bangkok, Thailand

Security Message

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

This message is to inform U.S. citizens that the Royal Thai Army has invoked martial law throughout Thailand, effective 3:00 AM Tuesday May 20, 2014. According to a Royal Thai Army announcement, the military has assumed responsibility for maintaining peace and order. Martial law gives the military certain expanded authorities to ensure public security and safety. According to media reports, Thailand’s constitution and caretaker government remain in place. U.S. citizens are advised to stay alert, exercise caution, and monitor media coverage. You are advised to avoid areas where there are protest events, large gatherings, or security operations and follow the instructions of Thai authorities.

U.S. citizens are cautioned that even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid protest sites, demonstrations, and large gatherings. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to local news media reports. You should allow extra time when travelling throughout the city or to/from airports. Consider using public transportation.

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We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Thailand enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.Gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution updated on April 10, 2014. Read the Country Specific Information for Thailand. For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s website.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy (http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service.html) is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok, and can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049, or by e-mailing [email protected]. The Embassy’s after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai (http://chiangmai.usconsulate.gov/service.html) 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 [email protected]. The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878.

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U.S. Embassy Mailings & Notifications for Phuket Area

• If you know of someone who would like to be included on this email relay list please have them send an email request to [email protected].
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• Thank you,
• Denny Bowman
• Phuket Warden