Possible "Acts of Politically-Motivated Violence" in Bangkok Sunday - US Embassy Warns

This message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Thailand that media reports indicate that the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or red-shirts) will hold a demonstration on Sunday, December 19, 2010 scheduled from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in Bangkok’s Rajaprasong area (around Central World) to mark the 7 month anniversary of the end of the spring protests in May 2010. 

Based on similar past demonstrations, the streets in all directions around Rajaprasong are expected to be filled with approximately 10,000 persons.  Many of them will be parking their vehicles on the sides of Rajadamri and Ploen Chit roads, snarling traffic throughout the area.  Central World and Siam Paragon may also be affected and close down early.  We strongly suggest that you avoid that area throughout the afternoon and evening of Sunday December 19th. 

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.  You should avoid areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations or large gatherings.  You should monitor local media to keep updated with the latest information about demonstrations and areas to avoid. Although the level of violence in Bangkok and Chiang Mai subsided following the UDD protests from March-May 2010, there were a series of explosions from June through October, and the potential for random acts of politically-motivated violence remains.  You should maintain a heightened sense of awareness, be cognizant of any unattended packages/bags in public/crowded places, and report any suspicious behavior to the nearest law enforcement personnel.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found.    Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained 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).

We strongly encourage U.S. citizens in Thailand to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or the Consulate General in Chiang Mai or through the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens may also consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Thailand and the Worldwide Caution, located at the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website.  U.S. citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada, or 202-501-4444 from overseas.

The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy Bangkok is located at 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.  The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at acsbkk@state.gov.  The emergency after-hours telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

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 acschn@state.gov.  The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878.