Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Ongoing Tensions and Possible Incidents of Unrest in Thailand January 30, 2014 This is to advise U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Thailand that political activists have announced plans to continue anti-government protests in Bangkok and possibly other parts of Thailand leading up to and during parliamentary nationwide elections scheduled for this Sunday February 2nd. These protests may cause significant and possibly widespread disruptions and transportation delays around Bangkok. In Bangkok alone there are over 3,000 polling locations, normally situated in Thai municipal buildings and local schools. Some of these locations may be the focus of protest activity and added police protection. We strongly advise U.S. citizens to be alert and avoid protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings. While the ongoing protests have been generally peaceful, some have resulted in injury and death. The situation can change rapidly. It is important to pay attention to local news and media reports. As we have advised previously, the Royal Thai Government invoked a 60-day emergency decree for Bangkok and surrounding provinces effective January 22, allowing for additional authority to deal with security challenges. Please refer to our Thailand Travel Alert: travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/thailand-travel-alert.html 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 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 Departments 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 (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 (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.
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 13:30:49 +0000
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