U.S. Embassy Alert

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The U.S Embassy in BKK has issued the following notice.

 

In the evening of August 11, two bombs exploded in a Hua Hin market area; a third bomb exploded near the Hua Hin clock tower in the morning of August 12.  Thai local law enforcement and media are reporting at least one death of a Thai woman and approximately 20 injured, including foreign nationals.  Other, smaller explosions also have been reported in Phuket, Trang, and Surat Thani, and the situation is developing with reports of additional possible explosions and suspicious fires elsewhere in southern Thailand.  Thai officials have identified no U.S. citizens among the injured victims.  The U.S. embassy is in regular contact with local authorities to determine if any U.S. citizens have been affected. 

Royal Thai Police have indicated that the immediate area of the incidents will remain closed for further investigation.  Further, the law enforcement presence in the greater Hua Hin area is expected to be enhanced until further notice.  Travelers to the area should avoid the affected areas, review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.

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.  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, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

 

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 [email protected]. The Embassy’s after-hours emergency telephone number is +66-2-205-4000.  You can also follow us on Twitter @acsbkk.

 

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 [email protected]. The after-hours emergency telephone number is +66-81-881-1878.

 

Larry Edmonds

U.S. Embassy Warden, Ubon